The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich has commissioned local artist, Amelia Bowman, to create an iconic image of the Cathedral.
The Cathedral was built in the late 19th century and became the Cathedral of the Diocese of East Anglia in 1976 and attracts visitors from across the globe, drawn to its striking architecture and magnificent stained-glass windows. It was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register is 2024 due to extensive damage incurred from years of water ingress. The Cathedral is a vital community hub, providing space for a number of community groups including St Vincent de Paul Society and Noah’s Ark Playgroup, and offers facilities for private bookings for functions and events. The thriving Garden Café provides a haven for rest and refreshment in the bustling city.
Amelia Bowman is a Norfolk based artist who creates intaglio collagraph prints and hand-drawn, digitally coloured pattern designs. Inspired by the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts, as well as the stunning countryside, Amelia has created images of local scenes and landmarks. She adds extra colour by way of an additional technique called ‘Chine-Collé’ using her own hand-drawn pattern designs. Amelia’s work is available from a number of retailers, including Jarrolds, Notcutts, independent retailers and galleries around Norfolk and Suffolk.
The new image will be used on a variety of merchandise items, including gift cards, prints, tote bags and coasters, all available to purchase in the Cathedral Shop.
Charley Purves, Cathedral Manager at St John the Baptist, said: “We are delighted to have been working with Amelia on this commission and it has been fascinating to see the process and image take shape. We hope that this new range of products in the Cathedral Shop will enhance our offering and provide our visitors with an uplifting lasting memory of their visit.”
Amelia Bowman, artist, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with The Cathedral of St John the Baptist on this commission. Not only did it give me the opportunity to combine a winning combination of angular architecture and flowing botanicals in the same piece, but it also introduced me to a truly beautiful place to spend time. I am delighted that my work will feature in the cathedral shop and help to boost funds for this amazing building.”
A collagraph takes its name from the word ‘collage’ as it is essentially a collage made on a rigid surface such as thick card which is then varnished, inked up and rolled through a print press against dampened, heavyweight printmaking paper. The edges and surfaces of the collage form the lines and textures of the print, which is transferred onto the paper on its way through the press. Extra colour can be added to the printmaking process by way of an additional technique called ‘Chine-Collé’ which involves the lamination of extra papers to the print as it goes through the press. Amelia uses her own hand-drawn pattern designs in the Chine-Collé process.
Amelia’s posters were initially inspired by well-known East Anglian destinations, the range has expanded over time to include scenes from London, Cornwall, Devon and the North-East and this expansion is set to continue into other pockets of the UK in due course.
Amelia’s collagraphs also feature in her gift range where they are reproduced on products such as greetings cards, postcards, chopping boards, cushions and tote bag. These can be found in Amelia’s Etsy store and Store Folk at Jarrold.
