Crucible2

Art lovers will be descending on Gloucester Cathedral from Monday 1 September with the opening of the Crucible2 exhibition.

The free event, which runs until 31 October, features 100 pieces, created by 61 artists, placed in and around the medieval building.

It is expected to bring thousands of extra visitors to the city during its run, as well as bringing in more than £4 million to the local economy.

During the past few weeks, the sculptures have been installed alongside sacred artefacts as well as throughout the grounds.

It will feature some of Britain’s most internationally renowned sculptors, including Damien Hirst, Lynn Chadwick, Antony Gormley and Kenneth Armitage.

Crucible 2 has been organised by Gloucester Cathedral and curated by Gallery Pangolin who are delighted to have been asked by the Dean and Chapter to curate a second major sculpture exhibition in the stunning surroundings of the Cathedral and Close. Gloucestershire law firm Willans LLP is the lead sponsor of the event.

Claude Koenig, director of Pangolin Editions, started the company with her husband, Rungwe Kingdon, in a garden shed in 1985.

Claude said: “We are very excited and proud to be turning the Gloucester city into the city of sculpture.”

A number of sculptures have been set up outside the Cathedral, including a variety of animals, such as a giant bull, a hippo and its baby, and a tortoise.

The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester, said: “There are some magnificent and interesting pieces at the exhibition, which are already delighting many of our visitors.

“This exhibition will not only give people a chance to see the work of some of this country’s most important artists, but it will also show off this beautiful building in a different light. We look forward to welcoming both regular and new visitors to our cathedral.”

Lead sponsor of Crucible2 is Willans LLP solicitors, a leading Gloucestershire law firm and long supporter of the arts in the county.

Margaret Austen, partner of Willans LLP, said: “We are delighted to have helped Gloucester Cathedral to bring this internationally recognised exhibition. It promises to be an even bigger event than its predecessor, which is estimated to have boosted the local economy by £4 million and was visited by more than 135,000 people.

“The Cathedral and Gallery Pangolin have put a lot of hard work into planning and curating one of the biggest modern sculpture exhibitions in the UK. I am very much looking forward to seeing the art works displayed in this magnificent setting.”