Now you can snap cathedral memories
IT is one of the region’s most magnificent buildings, lauded as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe, and in its position dominating the skyline above the looping River Wear, Durham Cathedral has been the subject of many a stunning photograph.
The inside of the centuries old building, originally built in 1093 by William de St-Calais, is just as impressive, with medieval architecture, intricate stained glass windows and St Cuthbert’s Tomb, which lies at the heart of the cathedral.
But despite playing host to a countless number of visitors over the years, taking pictures inside Durham Cathedral has been frowned upon, as it sought to preserve the sanctity of peaceful worship. Until now, that is.
For starting this Friday, visitors who arrive to pay homage to the remains of the saints housed at the cathedral – including those coming for the St Cuthbert Festival later this month – to enjoy the impressive Open Treasure exhibition, or simply to admire the magnificent architecture, will be able to take home a lasting reminder of their visit.
Durham Cathedral has announced that from Friday, March 8, 2019, photography for personal use will be permitted inside the cathedral, marking a change to the existing policy which has limited the taking of photographs to the Cathedral Cloister and the church’s exterior. While fabric preservation and the maintenance of peaceful worship remain firm priorities, the Cathedral recognises that the ban has prevented many keen visitors from taking a permanent reminder of the Cathedral’s beauty home with them.
In fact guests are now being encouraged to get snap happy – with a competition also launched to mark the shift in policy, with the aim to spread the word about this magnificent building far and wide via social media.
“I am thrilled about the update to our cathedral’s photography policy,” said Charlie Allen, Canon Chancellor of Durham Cathedral.
“It is important for us to reflect that we are a living, working, progressive place of worship, with many visitors wanting to create lasting visual memories of their time at Durham Cathedral.
I am thrilled about the update to our cathedral’s photography policy Charlie Allen
“With the rapid advancement of social media, a lot of our visitors are keen to share their experience with family and friends, and it feels good that we can now encourage them to do so, spreading the wonder of Durham Cathedral and all that it represents to a wider audience.”
The cathedral’s attitude to worship remains unchanged, with the privacy of visitors of the utmost importance, especially during quiet periods of prayer and reflection. This is why some areas of the cathedral will remain photography-free zones, such as the Gregory Chapel.
Photography and filming during services and events remains prohibited, as well as taking pictures in Open Treasure, the exhibition which brings to life the story of St Cuthbert, the cathedral itself and Christianity in the North East, with a rolling programme of changing exhibitions.
In areas where photography is permitted inside the cathedral, flash must also not be used.
The photography competition runs from Friday, March 8 to Friday, April 12 2019. You can enter as a child or adult in a range of different categories: sacred spaces, stained glass, shadows and sunlight and architectural wonders. The prize is a family ticket to Open Treasure for up to two adults and three children.
To be in with a chance of winning, visitors can take a photo and post it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the tag #mydurhamcathedral.
Don’t forget to include tags with the categories you’re entering – for instance #mydurhamcathedral #adult #sacredspaces. Entries will be judged with a child and adult winner of each category, as well as an overall winner, chosen after submissions are closed.
Permits are still necessary for commercial photography and fees will apply. Anyone wishing to carry out this type of activity is asked to contact the marketing and events team at events@ durhamcathedral.co.uk for further information.
■ Award for North East buildings at national awards – see pages 14 & 15.