Art and Worship

by Anne Dawtry and Christopher Irvine

Alcuin / SPCK (2002)

ISBN 0-281-05425-8

In an age where visual art is part of the life of everyone, we are confronted with images at every turn.  And, in a world jaded by a glut of imagery, can art still have an impact on the life of the Church?

Art and Worship is an essentially practical book that assists the reader to appreciate the many ways in which visual arts might work in a place of worship.  Anne Dawtry and Christopher Irvine look at how we see art in church, and how we might heighten our sensitivity to the artistic dimension of worship.  They survey the theological agenda for art and the Church, and give a brief history of art in church.

The authors also explore the need for communication between Church and artists, and for skill and sensitivity in commissioning works of art, giving examples of good practice, and less successful efforts, in this area.  Ultimately, Art and Worship shows how worship itself is an art, a creative expression of our adoration and praise of God.

To view the works of art cited in this guide, click here.

Anne Dawtry is Principal of the Ordained Local Ministry scheme in the Diocese of Manchester.  She has previously worked as Principal of Ordained Local Ministry and Integrated Education in the Diocese of Salisbury, as Chaplain to Bournemouth University and the Arts Institute in Bournemouth, and an Adviser to Bournemouth and Poole College's Department of Art and Design.

Christopher Irvine has been a university chaplain at Sheffield and Oxford, a parish priest in Stoke Newington (London) and Cowley (Oxford), and taught Art and Theology in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Leeds.  His is now Principal of the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield.

Click here to return to home page.