Bishop Rachel launches exhibition during Prisons Week

Gloucester Cathedral has partnered with the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Rachel Treweek and the Nelson Trust, a charity that works with women with multiple and complex needs, to launch a powerful art exhibit and event for Prisons Week 2017.

The exhibit titled Peaceful Shelter, by artist Johnny O’Hanlon will launch on Monday 9 October in Gloucester Cathedral as part of Prisons Week. The sculpture was created in collaboration with inmates from Swinfen Hall.  A group of survivors of domestic abuse created artwork and messages on display inside the sculpture.

Bishop Rachel is hosting a launch event at which Johnny O’Hanlon, Artist of Peaceful Shelter will introduce the work, she said:

“I am delighted to be hosting the launch of Peaceful Shelter during Prisons Week. This art installation speaks both of the uniqueness of each individual and of our connectedness as human beings.

“The sculpture’s peace-filled space invites us to reflect on the power we each have to diminish or enhance the lives of those around us; and I hope it will both increase awareness of different forms of abuse and the impact it has on people’s lives. For me, it conveys God’s transforming hope and life and I’m delighted that it is being exhibited in the Cathedral, which itself is a peaceful shelter.”

In addition, the public are invited to join a special, free, evening talk to mark the launch and the start of Prisons Week. Johnny O’Hanlon will speak before guest speaker Vicky Davis, HM Prison and Probation Service CFO3 Team Leader for The Nelson Trust will present a talk about the work of the Trust with offenders, and those at risk of offending, in Gloucestershire.

The Nelson Trust is a leader in the innovative treatment of addiction and the rehabilitation of offenders. They specialise in trauma-informed approaches to working with women on the periphery of society. The Nelson Trust believes that with the right care, support and encouragement, recovery is possible and that every individual has the capacity to change and achieve their full potential.

The Cathedral is pleased to host this exhibit and events in support of Prisons Week; raising awareness of the needs of both victims of crime and prisoners. The Very Revd Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said ‘It is vitally important that exhibitions like this, and the significance of this subject matter, gain recognition and are accessible to everyone. We are proud that this installation can take its rightful place in the Cathedral and we pray that we may be a peaceful shelter for all.’

• Installation exhibit Peaceful Shelter will be on display in the South Transept of Gloucester Cathedral 9^th-30^th October 2017.
• Peaceful Shelter will be launched by Bishop Rachel at 3pm on Monday 9 October, with speeches by the artist Johnny O’Hanlon and Vicky Davis from the Nelson Trust.
• Peaceful Shelter Public Launch and Prisons Week Talk by Vicky Davis of the Nelson Trust will take place on Monday 9^th October at 7pm in the Chapter House of Gloucester Cathedral. This is a free event however spaces should be booked in advance to guarantee a seat. Contact Helen Jeffrey, Community Engagement Manager to secure your space: helen.jeffrey@gloucestercathedral.org.uk 01452 229838