CREATION AND SALVATION
A work of art for the people of St Hilda's
The great brick east wall in St Hilda's Church now presents a beautiful hanging based on a stylized ammonite, the symbol of St Hilda, in swirling colours, shapes and textures. The sunny colours light up the Chancel with their energy. I hope that it will communicate powerfully to our young people and to future generations. The three tall panels are linked together with a tall cross; their height matching the proportions of the East window, creating vertical lines so the eye is drawn heavenwards from the high altar in worship, praise and prayer.
I see in it both Creation and Salvation; heaven is at the top with stars and sky and the swirling waters beneath, surging upwards at the call of God's Spirit, represented in the blaze of colours and tongues of fire across the centre. If you look closely you will see the texture of different materials and sparkling rhinestones in many colours scattering the light. Curving lines of gold braid complete the effect.
The collage is rich in the symbols of our faith. Nine nails for crucifying three prisoners, two of whom were guilty of insurrection and violent robbery, and the golden cross of the innocent Christ at the centre. Five drops of blood represent His five wounds.
The empty cross is the great Christian symbol and promises both Salvation and eternal life to all who humbly kneel at its foot. Christ himself has triumphed over death; He knows our end and promises to carry us, in His embrace, to His city of eternal light and space.
This hanging was specially created by Juliet Hemingray who has an international reputation for her work and this one has been gifted to the people of St Hilda's as a thank offering by a parishioner. The hanging has completely transformed our Chancel and I pray that it will help to build up our community in faith and confidence. Our thanks to Juliet's family who helped assemble and mount the panels and to Andrew Stone who constructed the scaffolding to lift it into place. It was an exciting two days watching the whole work of art coming alive in the space for which it was created.
Robert Dobbie