BRADFORD Cathedral will be opening its historic doors next month as part of this year's Heritage Open Days.
The theme is 'Creativity Unwrapped' and visitors will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful early stained glass of Morris & Co - located in four areas of the building - as well as other stunning stained glass by other Victorian designers.
During the day, which will run from 12noon to 3pm, there will be tours, children’s activities, a talk from Helen Elletson of the William Morris Society and more.
2023 marks 160 years since the first stained glass window created by Morris & Co was installed in Bradford Cathedral, which is located on Stott Hill.
The famous Victorian artist and designer William Morris founded Morris & Co. and, along with renowned artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones, Ford Madox Brown, Philip Webb, Albert Moore, and Peter Paul Marshall, created many pieces of stunning stained glass, some of which are on display in Bradford Cathedral.
Morris & Co. also produced religious textiles, an example of which is on display in the Lady Chapel.
Bradford Cathedral’s stained glass also includes a figure, recently discovered to have been designed by famous artist-potter William De Morgan.
Helen Elletson, reesearch curator at the William Morris Society - will be giving a talk on 'The Art of William Morris and his Work in Bradford Cathedral' at 1pm.
Her talk will cover the life, work, and ideas of the great Victorian polymath who was a talented designer, craftsman, writer, poet, socialist and printer.
The talk will include some of the beautiful stained glass he created for Bradford Cathedral.
There will also be tours of the cathedral - a general tour and one focused on the stained glass. Both will be at 12.15pm and 2.15pm.
Children will have a chance to design their own stained glass windows and there will be opportunities for colouring for both little ones and adults.
Liam Montgomery, from Heritage Open Days, said: “Whether it’s art, music, writing, or another outlet, creativity moves us and shapes our history and culture.
"We’re excited to put the spotlight on the people and places who give England’s heritage the X-factor and inspire festival-goers to engage with thousands of years of creativity”.
The event will be held on September 9.
To find out more about the free Bradford Cathedral Heritage Open Days event, and to book your places on the tour or talk, please visit heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/bradford-cathedral-william-morris or creative-cathedral.eventbrite.co.uk
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