Supporting local artistry
The expression 'if it's worth having, it's worth paying for' is certainly true for art installed in churches.
The Laundons arrive back in Ludgershall after their fundraiser
St James' Ludgershall recently had a sponsored bike ride to help pay for a new window by local artist Sophie Hacker.
The Revd Tim Laundon and his wife Dawn covered 70 miles in one day, blogging on Facebook as they went to see art pieces by Sophie Hacker in Winchester, Romsey, and Salisbury before returning to St James'.
The Laundons set off at 10.00am on 13th June, after a blessing from Revd Peter Howson.
The first stop, at noon, was the Pentecost Cross in Winchester Hospital Chapel, fashioned from cut wood supports from the Works Yard at Salisbury Cathedral and painted with striking colours and gold leaf.
Next, the Baptism Window at St John the Baptist North Baddesley, and a quick video update.
As they admired the window, Dawn said, "We've been really gifted with the sunshine today, it's been a real treat.
"And very nice sandwiches!"
Photo by Sophie Hacker
Still in Hampshire, the duo then visited the Calling Window at Romsey Abbey, and issued another quick video update.
The window marks the bicentenary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, and was commissioned by her descendants.
Sophie Hacker says*:
"Romsey played an important part in Nightingale’s life, where she met with friends, shopped and socialised with her family, and where her political interests developed. She cared deeply about, and worked to improve, the well-being of its residents throughout her life.
"The window reflects an historical event in Nightingale’s life, at the age of sixteen, when she received a clear ‘call’ from God.
"Nightingale is seated on a stone bench in the grounds of Embley Park, turning towards a bright light breaking in between the twin trunks of a cedar tree."
Photo by Sophie Hacker
On to Sarum College in Salisbury, only to discover that it was closed for Sunday rest - remember that? - and an honourable mention for the Sarum Cross, a companion piece for the Pentecost Cross [pictured here].
The parish account, run by Rosamund Leverett, cheered them on for the final leg, and posted photos and a video of the couple's arrival back in Ludgershall for coffee, cake and congratulations, saying:
"It was a great joy to greet Revd Tim and Dawn on their return to St James this afternoon, having completed their brilliant 70 mile bike ride on what we are now calling ‘The Sophie Hacker Art Trail’. What an achievement.
"We are so proud of, and grateful for, Tim as our Rector and friend. Thank you to everyone who supported this adventure. Visit this link if you would like to make a financial contribution towards the installation of our very own Sophie piece, the Hope and Glory Window."
Over half the £20,000 of the cost of the window has been raised already, and Sophie is hard at work on the commission. The parish posted a preview of work in progress, with Sophie's permission, here.
* More info about the Calling Window here.
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