Winter Residential Retreat | Contemplating art in a Sacred Space - An exploration of the art in Chichester Cathedral

Set  in the peaceful surroundings of George Bell House, largely spent in silence, we invite participants to step out of the intensity of their life into a period of contemplation using some of the art in the Cathedral as a guide. 

Event details

Tickets
£190.00 per person | £160.00 per person to share a twin/double room | £55.00 day attendance on 8th & 9th December only (supper not included)
Date
Sunday 7 December 2025, 16:00
Venue
George Bell House
Category
Talks & Lectures

Following an introduction, each session will involve some comments on the artwork followed by a period of contemplation before a time for comment and questions. 

The retreat will be guided by John Workman, an art history postgraduate researcher and member of the Cathedral congregation and the Reverend Earl Collins, Canon Chancellor. There are opportunities for individual spiritual conversation with the Canon Chancellor alongside the sessions. 

How much does this retreat cost?

  • £190.00 per person
  • £160.00 per person to share a twin/double room
  • £55.00 day attendance on 8th & 9th December only (supper not included)

How do I book?

Please call 01243 813586 or email bookings@chichestercathedral.org.uk to book residential places.  Day attendance only can be booked online, click here to reserve your space>>

 

Itinerary for the Retreat

Sunday 7th December 2025 (for those staying)
  • 16.00 Arrival and welcome.
  • 16.30 Tea and introductions.
  • 17.30 Informal Evening Prayer.
  • 18.30 Supper (Bonhoeffer Room).
  • 20.30 Compline. 

Silence.

Monday 8th December 2025

Silence is kept until 10.00

  • 08.00 Eucharist (Lady Chapel in Cathedral).
  • 09.00 Breakfast (Bonhoeffer Room).
  • 09.30- 10.00 Registration for day visitors.
  • 10.00  Session 1. Art in a Sacred Space and how it works. (followed by discussion).
  • 10.45. Coffee.
  • 11.15 Session 2. Feibusch Baptism of Christ. (followed by silence and discussion).
  • 12.30 Time of quiet and Midday prayer.
  • 13.00 Sandwich lunch.
  • 15.30 Session 3. The Chagall Window (followed by silence and discussion).
  • 16.30 Tea.
  • 17.30 Evensong in the Cathedral (day visitors depart).
  • 18.30 Supper (Bonhoeffer Room).
  • 20.30 Compline. 

Silence.

Tuesday 9th December 2025

Silence is kept until 10.00

  • 08.00 Eucharist (Lady Chapel in Cathedral).
  • 09.00 Breakfast (Bonhoeffer Room).
  • 09.30- 10.00. Day visitors arrive.
  • 10.00  Session 4.  Sutherland Noli Me Tangere. (followed by silence and discussion).
  • 10.45. Coffee.
  • 11.15 Session 5. The Chichester Reliefs or Piper Tapestry (followed by silence and discussion).
  • 12.30 Time of quiet and Midday prayer.
  • 13.00 Sandwich lunch

Guests depart.