Exhibition: Doorkins Magnificat - Paintings by Celia Pike

Professional artist Celia Pike is known for her paintings of cats. Featuring the family’s cats in domestic environments over the decades, many of the paintings have been published as greetings cards. Probably the most famous and adored feline model to feature in the card collection is Doorkins Magnificat of Southwark Cathedral herself.

My paintings are usually about the fall and reflection of light on surfaces, patterns & texture … moments in time. Cats with their rich patterns and textures are perfect subjects for me.

So I had to stop and hold my breath when I first saw Doorkins Magnificat in Southwark Cathedral!

This perfect, elegant little stray with her fur glowing in light from candles and stained glass windows was almost a vision! She seemed completely at home and unfazed by the vastness of the soaring arches, the beauty and grandeur of her awe-inspiring surroundings.

With her Abyssinian coat and beautiful face she makes me think of that lovely quote about the birds of the air and the lilies of the fields..