As Chichester Cathedral prepares to mark the 60th anniversary of John Piper’s iconic High Altar tapestry, it is inviting members of the public to share their memories, stories, photographs and reflections connected to the artwork. The tapestry was first unveiled at the Cathedral on 20 September 1966 to mixed reactions - and even protest.
Commissioned as Britain emerged from post-war austerity and entered the cultural confidence of the swinging sixties, Piper’s tapestry was created to bring light, colour and warmth to what was widely seen as a dark and “gloomy” part of the Cathedral.
The result of an extraordinary collaboration between Piper, the visionary Dean Walter Hussey and Bishop George Bell, the work embodied a shared belief that sacred spaces should engage boldly with contemporary art. Its vivid colours and abstract modernism divided opinion at the time of its 1966 dedication, yet six decades on it is recognised as one of the most significant works of modern art ever commissioned for an English cathedral.
At the centre of the anniversary will be a major exhibition, Glowing + Alive, opening on 13 February 2026, which explores how the vivid and now iconic artwork came to transform the Cathedral - artistically, spiritually and culturally.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Cathedral is keen to capture how the tapestry has been experienced over time - from strong first impressions and divided opinions to moments of worship, music, volunteering or quiet reflection beneath it.
The Cathedral would love to hear from people who:
- remember the tapestry’s unveiling in 1966
- recall the first time they encountered the tapestry over the past 60 years
- were surprised, puzzled or inspired by its modern style
- encountered it as children or young adults, whether on school visits or with family
- recall the reactions of parents or grandparents to the artwork
- have photographs, letters or personal memories linked to the Cathedral during this period
Stories may be joyful, uncertain, curious or reflective - there is no ‘right’ response. Selected contributions may help shape interpretation within the Glowing + Alive exhibition or form part of the wider anniversary programme.
“John Piper’s tapestry has always prompted conversation. It was commissioned by people who believed the Church should speak in the language of its own time, and that courage still resonates today. As we mark its 60th anniversary, we would love to hear how local people remember encountering it - whether they loved it immediately, questioned it, or grew to appreciate it over time.”
Reverend Vanessa Baron, Canon Treasurer at Chichester Cathedral
Anyone wishing to contribute is invited to get in touch by emailing info@chichestercathedral.org.uk with the subject ‘Piper’. Contributions can be short written memories, photographs or simple reflections.
Glowing + Alive runs from 13 February to 15 November 2026 and is accompanied by a season of exhibitions, events and creative workshops for all ages, offering opportunities to return, reflect and engage with the tapestry and the Cathedral’s artistic legacy in different ways throughout the year.