As part of the Chancellor’s annual Autumn Lectures, this year’s series explores the rich interplay between art and faith.
Building on Chichester Cathedral’s long tradition of engaging with sacred art, these lectures will reflect on how artists across the centuries - from the creators of early icons to modern figures such as celebrated artist and printmaker John Piper - have sought to express the divine through colour, form, and imagination.
Together, the lectures invite us to consider how sacred images speak into our lives today: how they illuminate scripture, shape worship, deepen our sense of place, and prompt us to see the world anew.
Spaces on the Chancellor's Autumn Lectures cost £10.00 per person (including a glass of wine and soft drink).
About this lecture
Despite the splendours of Christian art, its use in the Church has not gone uncontested. Picking up on a theme from the first lecture, this one will discuss the rise of iconoclasm in the English Reformation, why it re-emerged then and how it impacted Chichester Cathedral during both the early years of the Reformation and in the Civil War.
The speaker for this Lecture will be announced shortly.
The programme on each evening will be:
- 6.30pm: Arrival and drinks (optional)
- 7.00pm: Lecture
- 7.45pm: Questions/discussion
- 8.30pm: Finish
About the venue
With its roots dating back to 1397, this splendid hall holds centuries of stories and has witnessed the likes of Keats during his stay in Chichester.
- Finding Vicars' Hall: Vicars’ Hall is within the Chichester Cathedral precinct. Public access is via the Cathedral Green, not directly from South Street. Enter from West Street, cross the Cathedral Green, and follow signage for Vicars’ Hall. It is a short walk (about 5–10 minutes) from Chichester railway station through the city centre. There is no on-site parking. Nearby public car parks include Little London, Cawley Priory, and Baffins Lane. The what3words location for the Cathedral Green entrance to Vicars’ Hall is: ///pretty.needed.chill.
- Access:Vicars’ Hall is on the first floor, and it is split across three levels (see floor plan). The lower area of the hall and toilets are accessible to wheelchair users throughout the event.