An interactive labyrinth is set to tour the county as part of Carlisle Cathedral’s 900th anniversary celebrations.
The Schools’ Labyrinth art project has brought together the creative skills of children from over 60 Cumbrian schools and surrounds the theme of pilgrimage and labyrinths which lie at the heart of the Cathedral’s ‘Journey and Rest’ anniversary programme.
Working with Cumbrian artist Abby Kilfedder, schools were invited to put their own unique designs on large foam tiles which when they come together create a breathtaking labyrinth on which visitors are invited to walk.
Having been on show at the Cathedral in June, the Schools’ Labyrinth is now touring Cumbria, starting at Holy Trinity Church in Kendal on Wednesday 6 July.
The installation, which is free to visitors, will be on display in Kendal throughout July and August before touring other locations in Cumbria for the rest of the year.
Speaking about the project, The Rev’d Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, Canon Warden at Carlisle Cathedral, said: “Through our anniversary year we wanted to find ways to engage with as many people as possible across the county to celebrate the life of the Cathedral. What better way than working with the energy and creativity of our Church schools to help bring to life this extraordinary interactive labyrinth, which includes contributions from communities from Lanercost to Ireleth, and Dent to Maryport.”
The Schools’ Labyrinth is a joint project between the Cathedral and the Carlisle Diocese and has been sponsored by Rathbones Investment Management.
Mrs Charlotte Tudway, the Director of Education for Carlisle Diocese, said: “It has been a privilege to collaborate with Carlisle Cathedral on this exciting project, which has reached schools throughout the Diocese. It was wonderful having a sneak preview of some of the tiles as we helped bring together this collaborative project and even better to see the finished Labyrinth.”
During the Schools’ Labyrinth installation in the Cathedral’s refurbished Fratry Hall visitors, including the Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman, as well as over 700 school children, were able to walk the Labyrinth and experience the project first-hand.
The Rev’d Canon Shanthi Thompson, Vicar of Holy Trinity Kendal and Honorary Canon of Carlisle Cathedral, added: “It is always wonderful to gather at our county’s Cathedral for times of celebration and worship. This installation brings something of the life of the Cathedral to communities around Cumbria so that we can all experience this wonderful project.”
