Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love, c. 1373,
Ed. Grace Warrack. Meuthen & Co. Ltd., thirteenth edition 1949
Lily, Kiki McGrath, charcoal, graphite, oil pastel, 5 x 7.5” 2023
November 1 - 30, 2023
Informed by ancient and contemporary spirituality, creative ritual and domestic labor, Anchorhold is a reimagined medieval chamber in the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. Visitors are invited to enter the solitary enclosure and explore contemplative practices in the cathedral crypt and library.
The installation is inspired by 14th century anchoress Julian of Norwich. She lived in a room attached to a church for twenty years and wrote Revelations of Divine Love, the earliest surviving English text by a woman. The project includes durational performances, a communal audio recording of Julian’s works, and responses to her mystical visions in an altered artist book.
In early November the artist will be a continuous presence in the installation, Performing Alice for seven days. Like a servant to an anchoress, she will attend to visitors, engage in domestic labors, and protect the solitude of individuals inside the Anchorhold during Center opening hours: November 1-3, 6-7, 9-10 from 12 – 5 pm.
The Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage will offer self-directed contemplative and creative practices and ticketed events to celebrate the 650th anniversary of Julian’s mystical revelations. There is no Cathedral entry fee for worship and private prayer, including visitors to the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. Confirm weekly opening times on their Facebook page.