As part of St Paul’s Cathedral’s commemoration to the Great War of 1914-18, two white cruciform sculptures, each over six metres high have been installed at the head of the nave.
The twin sculptures, by London artist Gerry Judah, recall in their shape and colour the thousands of war grave white crosses placed in the war cemeteries across the world.
On the arms of the cross are intricate models of contemporary and historical settlements decimated by conflict.
It is the outgrowths on the crosses that gives them such an interesting appearance. They have an almost crystalline growth feel to them that reminds me more of early childhood experiments growing crystals in jam jars.
Up close they are evidently not ordered outcroppings, but honeycombed structures reflecting the damage and decay of war.
They are certainly a very interesting installation, and the symmetry within the nave also works well.
Only visible inside the Cathedral if you pay to visit, or visit to pray.
…at £16.50 (!) I think I will join the ranks of those who “pray” that one day they can pay to visit. Mind you I may just one rainy Sunday just stroll in.
Strangely, I think those crosses are quite beautiful really. Certainly strange looking but definitely worth going to see. Thanks for the tip.