Rochester Cathedral – Whales
06th January 2026
Rochester Cathedral has announced a new exhibition for 2026 which invites visitors to reflect on humanity’s increasing ecological impact on the global climate.
Whales. At Rochester Cathedral this February.
Whales recently won first prize in the AHI Engaging People Award for its powerful approach to engaging audiences with the climate emergency.
Three majestic sperm whale sculptures, created using recycled ghost netting, silk chiffon and latex, will be suspended from the nave this February.
The thought-provoking and award-winning artwork is by artist Tessa Campbell Fraser and is presented in partnership with MESSUMS ORG and was first shown in Winchester Cathedral.
The artist, Tessa said,
‘In sculpting the whales as I have – transparently, using ghost netting – I want to convey the need for mankind to realise that these magnificent mammals will not exist in our world if we don’t act now to reduce catastrophic global warming and plastic pollution in our oceans.
‘Rising sea temperatures will disrupt the entire ecological balance and alongside, plastic pollution cause these great emblematic creatures to become mere ghosts to us, transparent in the extreme.’
The installation is the latest in Rochester Cathedral’s programme of large-scale artworks and follows the success of Luke Jerram’s Mars and the Short Scion Floatplane which attracted record audiences during 2025.
The Dean of Rochester, The Very Rev’d Dr Philip Hesketh AKC DL said,
‘We are truly excited about this dramatic installation in the Cathedral which we hope will provoke a position response to how we care for our planet and its biodiversity’.
Whales will be accompanied by a programme of sea-inspired events including concerts and family activities including the return of the BBC Big Band in a specially curated performance, Swinging under the Sea and an evening of sea shanties.
Whales will be free of charge to see during the day, although charges apply for groups, schools and special events. On selected evenings visitors will be able to experience the artwork in a new light after dark.
Tickets and further announcements will be made on the cathedral’s social media sites and here.
Whales – 10th February to 7th March 2026.