Art in the Close
whats-on
Ancient architecture and contemporary sculpture combine in an exciting new exhibition of outdoor art by John Maine and Lynn Chadwick.
Enjoy a free exhibition of outdoor art
Art in the Close will run from September 2025 to Spring 2026 and will see the Cathedral Close become the inspirational setting for a mix of works by artists Lynn Chadwick and John Maine RA.
Visitors can enjoy discovering works in three different areas of the Close - the Cloister, the Lower Close and Almary Green.
From early September, an exhibition guide featuring a map of all the artworks will be available for just £2 from the Cathedral Shop.
Cloister
Among John Maine’s sculptures on display in the Cloister is Pinnacle, 2018. Carved from blue Brazilian granite and standing proud in the Cloister Garth, its vertical form echoes the Cathedral’s own soaring spire.
Meanwhile Definition in Five Parts is a quintet of geometric granite works that draws people to explore the Cloister’s east walk.
Lower Close
Juxtaposed with the stone of John Maine’s sculptures is the stainless steel silhouette of Lynn Chadwick’s Sitting Figures, 1989, on loan from the Estate of Lynn Chadwick.
The impressive, angular sculpture of the seated couple can be found between the trees in the Lower Close, with its metallic surfaces glinting in the sun and playing with light and shadow.
Almary Green
Almary Green, near the Ethelbert Gate at the main entrance to the Cathedral Close, is hosting seven more stone works by John Maine.
Positioned within specially mown paths in the grassland of Almary Green, they create a unique installation all of their own.
A sacred space to celebrate the arts
Art in the Close is the idea of The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, who hopes hosting contemporary art in the historic setting will inspire visitors old and new alike and continue the Cathedral’s rich history of celebrating the arts.
The Dean said: “From its foundation in 1096, Norwich Cathedral has been a place that celebrates the arts and creativity...In the conjunction of art, space and Cathedral we are invited to see life through fresh eyes, just as the Cathedral itself invites us to nurture a sense of wonder in a place where heaven and earth come close.”
Open for all to explore
Art in the Close will run from September 2025 until Spring 2026 in Norwich Cathedral’s Close.
The exhibition is free for all to explore.
From early September, a £2 Art in the Close guide will be available for purchase from the Cathedral Shop.