Chichester Cathedral presents glass dove wings

Chichester Cathedral is set to present an extraordinary pair of flameworked glass dove wings, designed and created especially for the Cathedral by artist Carrie Fertig.

The wings will be open to public viewing from 10th October to 17th January next year and as always with the Cathedral, it is open daily with free entry and all are welcome.

The impressive structure is compromised of some 300 glass feathers and it will be suspended above visitors in the Cathedral's North Transept - here's hoping it doesn't fall on anybody!! 

It really is a fascinating design from Fertig who has made the wings at a scale intended for flight for the human body but I don't think anyone has actually tested if they work! Each individual feather ranges in length from 33cm to 105cm and they have all been sandblasted on one side to both catch and transmit light. 

Fertig has named her creation Homing saying that: "The intention of the installation is to transform the North Transept into a place of wonder, peace, contemplation and ascendancy. Homing aims to connect the spirit within the individual, community, and Cathedral to each other. The dove symbolises the Holy Spirit, peace and love, and referencing the story of Noah, a safe place to land.  In this way the sculpture aims to visualise the Cathedral's role as provider of peace and solace, and an environment both physical and spiritual, for finding this within oneself.'

There will be a private unveiling of the sculpture on 8th Octobor at 7.30pm which will involve performance and audience engagement and an atmospheric introduction to the sculpture. If you are interested in attending this then please email the artist on carriefertig@yahoo.com or see her fundraising webpage for details of how donations can be combined with an invitation to the unveiling event.