On Saturday, 26th October, a small group of Winchester Rotarians together with a former Winchester Rotary President, Fiona Arnott and her husband, Nigel, happened by chance to meet at the Cathedral and enjoyed the privilege of hearing the well known British sculptor, Laurence Edwards, discuss and describe his motivation and philosophy behind his sculptures and the way in which they are cast, as part of a Cathedral event.
Laurence Edwards drew inspiration for his Borrowed Breath exhibition from the remarkable long history of Winchester Cathedral, and in particular the restoration and renewal of the shattered Great West Window by Cromwell’s parliamentary troops in 1642. Many of the bronze male, life size figures positioned around the cathedral, as if waiting to meet you, wear expressions of deep contemplation. The exhibition is complex and difficult to understand but after hearing Laurence Edwards’ animated, voyage of emotion and philosophical reasoning, the exhibition comes to life., making a revisit essential. His deep involvement in the production process of his work in his own atelier, draws him and us into the very essence of his sculpture.
David Farthing took Keith Hatter to this emotive exhibition. I stood beside Keith, who lost his sight 30 years ago, and I was aware of his complete stillness and concentration as he listened to Laurence’s every word. A while ago many of us at Rotary enjoyed an after dinner presentation by Keith concerning the appreciation of sculpture.
Next day, David took Keith back again to enjoy at leisure the sensory perception of Laurence Edward’s sculptures. Gently tracing the contours of a bronze sculpture is a wonderfully soothing experience.
This Borrowed Breath exhibition closes on 5th November. If you haven’t seen it yet – you must go – it will take your breath away.
Diana Brooks and David Farthing
