Wells Art Contemporary 2026
I'm delighted to have been selected to exhibit a site-specific installation at Wells Cathedral this year, as part of the Wells Art Contemporary exhibition. More views on my gallery page.
Eternal Oak (Quercus aeterna) is a piece that has been specifically designed for Wells Cathedral responding to the Wells Art Contemporary 2026 theme ‘Time’. It comprises 851 gilded acorn caps, 1 for each year of the Cathedrals history, nestled within a 2m long found piece of water-weathered oak.
The oak tree is known for its longevity. Each year the acorn caps nurture the next generation of acorns and then are discarded, their job done. I have taken these acorn caps and gilded them with 24ct gold leaf. Placed within this piece of oak, they have a collective identity, honouring the entire lineage of people who built, sustained and passed down through the generations, their care of the Cathedral over the centuries.
The work is situated in the North Quire Aisle and catches the light from the stained-glass window from across the Cathedral above the South Quire Aisle. The acorn cap, humble and organic next to the gold, represents the normality by which most people live and pass on. Yet the reflective richness and the symbolism provided by the gold gives a preciousness to the collective memory of those forgotten by history.
Becoming ... Other
Saturday May 2nd to Monday May 4th 2026
10am - 4pm daily
I'm very excited to be exhibiting my work in the wonderful St. Peter's Church, Wolfhamcote.
Please take time to scroll down to find all the relevant information in order that your visit is an enjoyable one
Free Entry
About the exhibtion
This exhibition is the culmination of my time as a part-time student studying for BA(Hons.) in Painting with the Open College of Arts / Open University.
Rooted in both natural history and philosophy, my work examines processes of decay and liminality as sites of transformation. Through these fragile states, I create contemplative works instigating mediation between presence and absence, the known and unknown, and life and death. From the in-between, new possibilities quietly emerge.
Artist talks
Information about the works in this exhibition will be available to read in the church. In addition, I will be giving short artist's talks each day at 11am and 2pm, explaining my work and my journey on becoming an artist. All are welcome to attend, no booking necessary.
Directions
The church is reached using the gated road from the near-by village of Flecknoe, or by a private track leading from the A45 where it crosses the Grand Union Canal at Braunston, and which can be used provided that visitors do not drive on or damage the unenclosed fields on either side.
Please shut all gates once you have passed through!
By car:
Postcode for the church is: CV23 8AR
If travelling from the A45 via Willoughby and Sawbridge, access is either through Flecknoe or Nethercote.
Access through Flecknoe is preferable as it avoids an awkward junction with the A45
If travelling from the A425 access is via Flecknoe
Both directions will require you to open and close gates along the road or track
By bus:
The church is a short walk from Braunston which is on a bus route. Cross over the A45 and access the private track (permissible) next to the bridge over the Grand Union Canal.
Access infomation
There is limited parking available next to the churchyard. The entrance to the church is accessed by a mown path through the churchyard. Due to the location and historic nature of the Church, this path is bumpy and uneven. Stones and grass may be slippery when wet.
There is a step down into the interior of the Church and a further step down to the nave (no handrails)
There is no electricity on site, but the interior is bright with natural light.
There are no toilet facilities available.
About St. Peter's Church
St. Peter's Church is the only surviving building from the medieval village of Wolfhamcote. Described as the Church that 'refuses to die' it is currently under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. It is sited in a rural location on the outskirts of Daventry, Warwickshire. Its stout, weathered exterior gives way to a bright, serene interior with many original features on display.
Click on the images below to find out more about St. Peter's Church.
St. Peter's Church website
Image credits: Anna Pike, 2026
Bring Back the Light campaign
Friends of St. Peter's Church are fundraising to replace the current polycarbonate windows with glass, including a stained glass window in the bell -tower. To date one window has been replaced and designs for the stained glass replacement are well under way. I am delighted to support this campaign with my exhibition and will be donating a percentage of any sales to this fundraising effort.