Southwark Cathedral is the latest to host ‘The English Cathedral’, featuring Peter Marlow’s unique photographs of the naves of each of England’s 42 Anglican cathedrals.
Peter Marlow was commissioned by Royal Mail on the 300th anniversary of the completion of St Paul’s Cathedral to photograph six English cathedrals.
However, after photographing the first six, Peter felt inspired to continue this series and capture all 42 cathedrals of the Church of England using only natural light.
The images appear deceptively simple in their composition and technical set-up.
It was after much experimentation that Peter developed the perfect strategy to document these huge interior spaces and to highlight the many varied architectural nuances between the buildings.
Shooting on large format film using only natural light, he set up in the same position at nearly all of the cathedrals – looking east towards the nave and altar as the dawn light streamed through the main window.
By ensuring all artificial lighting was turned off, he captured the cathedrals emerging from the darkness to achieve an ethereal look and a rare sense of timelessness.
Peter’s remarkable photographs bring into sharp vision the splendour of the interiors of some of England’s most magnificent historic buildings.
Organised by the Peter Marlow Foundation, the charity set up in recognition of his work and legacy, the goal is that this collection of images will exhibit at each of the individual 42 cathedrals Peter visited on his photographic pilgrimage across England.
From 21 July – 31 August, The Peter Marlow Foundation exhibition, ‘The English Cathedral’ will be on display in Southwark Cathedral.
