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Stunning Sculpture Comes to St Albans Cathedral

Stunning sculpture is centrepiece of new Christian Aid ‘Poverty Over’ Cathedrals Tour

sculpture-poverty-overA spectacular new work of art about global poverty, along with a photographic exhibition of Christian Aid’s work in poor countries, is coming to St Alban’s Cathedral in September as one of the first visits on a two year long tour of Britain’s cathedrals.


The Poverty Over tour is aimed at provoking debate about how best Christians can meet the demands of their faith by challenging poverty around the world.

Christian Aid commissioned the work of art - a sculpture of enamel and steel - from artist Mel Howse, of West Sussex. The work was paid for by a sponsor.

At the event in St Albans Cathedral guests are invited to a private viewing of the sculpture and the accompanying photographic exhibition with a Fair Trade wine tasting, followed by a presentation on the work of Christian Aid’s partners in some of the world’s poorest countries. 

Christian Aid staff will speak at the event about the true nature of poverty – a lack of power – and what must be done to tackle it.

Artist Mel Howse said her work, resembling an eye within an eye, explored the gap between people who are living in poverty and those who are not.

‘Poverty is staring at us and can be uncomfortable to witness. But once we have seen, the challenge is to act,’ she said.

Ms Howse’s sculpture is based on two bowl-shaped pieces of steel, which she has embellished with coloured enamels.

Her previous work includes a stained glass window in memory of the late anti-apartheid activist Bishop Trevor Huddleston, which was dedicated to him in 2007 by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The window is installed in Lancing College, West Sussex, where Archbishop Huddleston studied.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Poverty Over Sculpture event in St Alban’s Abbey from 7:30 - 9pm on Wednesday 7 September.
 
For more information, please contact Abi Knowles at Christian Aid Oxford 01865 246818 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


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Notes to Editors:

1. Christian Aid works in some of the world's poorest communities in nearly 50 countries. We act where the need is greatest, regardless of religion, helping people build the lives they deserve.

2. Christian Aid has a vision, an end to global poverty, and we believe that vision can become a reality. Our report, Poverty Over, explains what we believe needs to be done – and can be done – to end poverty.  Details at http://www.christianaid.org.uk/Images/poverty-over-report.pdf

3. Christian Aid is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of 100 churches and church-related organisations that work together in humanitarian assistance and development.  Further details at http://www.actalliance.org

4. Follow Christian Aid's newswire on Twitter: http://twitter.com/caid_newswire

5. For more information about the work of Christian Aid visit www.christianaid.org.uk