News: Discover Art, Reflection, and Inspiration at Guildford Cathedral in 2025

A Year of Inspiration at Guildford Cathedral

Discover Art, Reflection, and Inspiration at Guildford Cathedral in 2025

Guildford Cathedral invites you to step into its serene and awe-inspiring space, where peace and creativity intertwine. As one of Surrey’s most iconic landmarks, the Cathedral offers visitors much more than its stunning architecture. Whether you are exploring thought-provoking exhibitions, joining a guided tour, browsing the gift ship or savouring tea and cake with friends in the Seasons Cafe, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Open daily from morning services to the close of Evensong, Guildford Cathedral extends a warm welcome to visitors of all ages. This year, the Cathedral’s extraordinary art exhibitions promise to captivate and inspire, displaying the work of renowned artists and highlighting themes of love, faith, and resilience.

2025 Art Exhibition Programme

 

Unending Love: A Möbius Strip by Piers Rosslyn-Smith

Monday 17 February – Tuesday 6 May
Unending Love will be displayed in the Children’s Chapel. Artist Piers Rosslyn-Smith presents Unending Love, a hand-carved cherry wood Möbius strip symbolising the infinite love of God. Its seamless, continuous surface invites reflection on the eternal nature of divine love—a profound piece perfect for meditation and quiet contemplation.

The Möbius strip can be seen in the Nave of the Cathedral

Icons on Ammunition Boxes

Wednesday 5 March – Monday 21 April

A deeply moving exhibition, Icons on Ammunition Boxes highlights religious icons painted on reclaimed ammunition boxes from Ukraine’s war zones. These poignant works bear silent witness to the violence and suffering of conflict while offering hope and reflection during the Christian season of Lent.

Fi Bunn: Lifting my eyes: a story of ascents

Thursday 24 April – Monday 27 May

Photographer Fi Bunn presents a photographic story of ascending the heights of the mountains. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our power, our planet”. As an artist, Fi sees us as stewards of nature, being creative in how we can sustain our planet.”

Jacqui Parkinson: Threads Through the Cross

Thursday 24 September – Monday 3 November

The 'Threads through the Cross' exhibition by renowned textile artist Jacqui Parkinson will be hosted at the Cathedral from 25 September to 3 November 2025. The exhibition offers a visually stunning exploration of faith, history, and artistry, attracting visitors from all backgrounds.

Textile artist Jacqui Parkinson presents 'Threads through the Cross', a stunning series of panels exploring the life and teachings of Jesus. From his birth to his final weeks, culminating in Pentecost, Jacqui’s intricate stitching and vibrant designs bring the story of Christ to life.

Even more significantly, Guildford Cathedral will be the southernmost location to host one of Jacqui Parkinson’s exhibitions between 2025 and 2027. The closest alternative venues, Bath Abbey and Ely Cathedral, are still a considerable distance away. This makes Guildford the most accessible destination for audiences across the South of England to experience Parkinson’s thought-provoking and visually stunning work.

There will be talks by Jacqui Parkinson during the exhibition, more details to follow.

Guildford Cathedral, where art meets faith and inspiration

For more information contact Nicola Pratt, Head of Development at Guildford Cathedral on 01483 547884 Headofdevelopment@guildford-cathedral.org

For more information about our exhibitions, tours, and events, visit www.guildford-cathedral.org.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Guildford Cathedral is the newest Church of England Cathedral consecrated on a new site and the only Cathedral dedicated to the Holy Spirit. Known for its stunning architecture and vibrant community, it serves as a spiritual home and cultural landmark in Surrey.

When WWII halted the building process, leaving the Cathedral partially completed, fears arose that it might never be finished, and there were even talks of demolishing what had been built. In an incredible display of support, thousands of individual bricks were purchased by members of the public and community groups. Even Queen Elizabeth II participated, buying and signing a brick. These contributions marked the beginning of the journey of the “People’s Cathedral.

Today, Guildford Cathedral stands strong on Stag Hill, an instantly recognisable symbol of Guildford visible for miles around—a beacon of hope and a sign of homecoming. Inside, the Cathedral’s natural light highlights its open space, creating an atmosphere of stillness and peace. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a vibrant venue for community events.

This remarkable building is a testament to what can be achieved when people pull together. From the passion and dedication that made its construction possible in the 20th century to the present day, Guildford Cathedral remains “Open to God, Open to All.”

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Added Friday 28th March 2025