Guests went wild for the glittering opening of the ARK sculpture show at Chester Cathedral

The first thing to greet guests at Chester Cathedral’s opening party for ARK was a horse and cart. But then this was no ordinary farmyard relic. It’s a piece of art by the celebrated artist Sarah Lucas, just one of 90 works which are currently on display throughout the building.

Ark is the name given to a major celebration of sculpture being staged with considerable drama by the Cathedral, which pulled out all the stops on the opening night with a lavish VIP night of music, food and wine.

The exhibition which is part of the Cathedral’s five year plan to expand its heritage through art, brings together work by internationally renowned sculptors like Damien Hirst and Antony Gormley and sets them against the splendid backdrop of the cathedral and its beautiful ancient spaces.

Thanks to generous sponsorship from The Bank of America, Elegant Resorts and others, the exhibition has been staged at no cost to the Cathedral. Running until October 15th, the pieces include new commissions from artists such as David Mach, alongside many established works of art on loan from private collections. Entry is free.

On the launch night, around 300 guests drank champagne and nibbled canapés while speeches from Canon Jane Brooke, Vice Dean of Chester Cathedral and curator, Claude Koenig of Pangolin Editions foundry explained how exhibits were specially chosen or commissioned to reflect those already existing within the Cathedral’s environment.