In the Cathedral Cloisters this month you will not only find three colourful book benches, you will also be able to see a life-size sculpture entitled Lord of the Dance.
It is a gift from the artist Simon Latham (pictured on the right, with the Dean), who was Resident Artist at the Cathedral from 1989 -1990. The original 1990 plaster version had been broken beyond repair, so in 2019 Simon remade it completely for a retrospective exhibition of his work in the Cathedral Visitor and Learning Centre. The piece currently on display in the Cathedral Cloisters is a fibreglass cast of that work.
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, said:
“We're hugely grateful to Simon Latham for recreating his figure Lord of the Dance for us. It's a piece with a strong connection with the Cathedral going back to Simon's residency here in 1990 so we are glad that it has in a way, come home. Its current location against the Cathedral's most ancient wall makes for a striking juxtaposition of old and new and we hope this will add to the experience of visitors as we welcome people back over the coming months.
Simon Latham says:
“The sculpture is made of three entwined, tubular elements. It can be seen as a reference to the Crucified and Risen Christ but also draws to mind the Brazen Serpent, made by Moses, the Staff of Aesculapius, symbol of healing and the double helix of DNA.”
During his 1989-90 residency Simon also created the carved figure of St Peter that stands inside the Cathedral near the great west door.
Photo credit: Simon Latham.
Follow this link for more information about the Book Benches.