Telling the Magna Carta story anew: Durham Cathedral announces special contemporary arts programme.
Magna Carta and the North – Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral has announced a programme of contemporary art and digital experiences for its upcoming Magna Carta and the North exhibition this summer.
From 11 July, three rare Magna Cartas from the cathedral’s collection will go on display in Durham Cathedral Museum to mark the 800th anniversary of this 1225 issue – including the only surviving 1216 Magna Carta, along with issues from 1225 and 1300, and three Forest Charters – practical documents granting access to land and natural resources.
To celebrate the anniversary, Durham Cathedral has commissioned three artists to create bespoke temporary installations throughout the cathedral to collectively tell the story of these 800-year-old documents – a powerful symbol of social justice in the world today.
In the Galilee chapel, huge voiles depicting the Magna Carta story by artist and photographer Ash Mills will be hung between the columns using ‘stained-glass’ style illustrations.
A ‘river of words’ will flow through the Nave of the cathedral created by large-scale text artist Nicola Anthony. This poetic imagining builds on the impact and legacy of Magna Carta, reinterpreting its spirit for today’s world and will feature words and phrases created by local community groups, projected onto the cathedral floor that will shift and change as people walk along it.
The artwork will change daily as all those who visit the exhibition will have the chance to vote for a word or phrase that resonates with them. This will then inform the words and phrases shown on the cathedral floor, creating an interactive and ever-changing art piece.
The artist, Nicola said,
“The Magna Carta caused ripples of change that have impacted how democracy and rights are understood in a fair society. I hope visitors will be drawn first to explore the light as a flowing river, and then to look deeper to read its component words. They may choose to bathe in the light of a particular word or phrase, letting it rest in their hands, perhaps trying to capture it in a photo, but ultimately experiencing it as momentary and without physical presence.”
Nicola is working in collaboration with North East creative studio NOVAK to bring the ‘river of words’ to life through digital projections, giving people a unique and immersive experience.
Durham Cathedral has also commissioned NOVAK to create a film shown in the museum prior to seeing the historic documents. Based on the characters from history that formed the Magna Carta, the film will transport audiences on a journey through medieval Britain using illustrations and storytelling.
Adam Finlay, Director of NOVAK said,
“NOVAK is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to collaborate with Durham Cathedral and Nicola Anthony on this new and exciting artwork which will undoubtedly be a pivotal part of Durham Cathedral’s Magna Carta exhibition.
‘In addition, the film itself is an exciting project which will allow us to develop a brand new piece that delves into the origins and history of Magna Carta, its connections to the North East of England and the role it has played in shaping our modern world.”
Andrew Usher, Chief Officer for Visitor Experience and Enterprise said,
“The themes of freedom and social justice in the Magna Carta still have a significant impact today. We’re so pleased to be working with a number of artists and design specialists to explore more ways to engage people by telling the story of these documents through art, light and sound around the cathedral.”
All artworks will be on display from 11 July to 2 November 2025 as part of the new exhibition, Magna Carta and the North. There is no admission charge to enter the cathedral or to see the artworks on the cathedral floor. The Magna Carta documents and NOVAK film will be on display in Durham Cathedral Museum and will cost £7.50 for adults and is free for under 18s.
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