The Nativity – Sheffield Cathedral

Sheffield Cathedral will unveil a specially-commissioned artwork by Sheffield artist, Pete McKee inspired by the cathedral’s inclusive singing programme with a nod to the chaos of a school Christmas production.

Specially-commissioned artwork, The Nativity unveiled at Sheffield Cathedral

Called The Nativity, Pete’s artwork, unveiled this week, represents the cathedral’s work with schools that gives 1,000 Sheffield children the chance to learn music and sing at the iconic building through Sheffield Cathedral’s Schools Singing Programme.

The 6ft by 4ft painting in his distinctive style has taken a year to develop and celebrates the diversity and inclusivity of Sheffield life.

The Dean of Sheffield, The Very Revd Abi Thompson, said,

‘This commission is incredibly exciting for us. 

‘It represents our work with schools, our new choristers, and, where our heart lies, our partnership work with our most economically-deprived communities.

“It will be a proper Pete McKee version of what a Sheffield nativity might look like in 2025. There’s nostalgia, togetherness, joy, and it will be a delight for people to see,’ she added.

During the process, children at Prince Edward Primary School, Manor, took part in a summer photoshoot to guide Pete’s work. The school was the first to participate in the Cathedral’s Schools Singing Programme, which provides expert music tuition to 1,000 students at ten schools.

Pete McKee said:

“The important thing with the painting was to reflect how we are today as a nation, and how multicultural we are. I wanted to reflect that and make it a very honest piece of work.”

The Schools Singing Programme is the newest of only four in the UK and aims to transform the lives of young people through singing,  giving them confidence and new skills,

Find out more about the schools singing programme here.