See Peter Marlow’s ‘The English Cathedral’ at London’s Oldest Gothic Church

Acclaimed British photographer Peter Marlow (1952-2016) was known for his journalistic attention to people and happenings in conflict zones and political interactions. Throughout his career, though, he also embarked on numerous personal documentary projects like Liverpool: Looking Out to Sea, which he completed in the late 1980s and early 1990s as the city experienced sharp economic decline—its historic docks were no longer viable for global industry. He was also president of Magnum Photos twice.

One of Marlow’s more meditative projects revolved around 42 Anglican cathedrals across England. The Anglican Christian tradition stems from the establishment of the Church of England following the English Reformation in the 16th century, although the cathedrals’ architectural lineage usually predates this period.

a photograph of the nave of a cathedral in natural light — Worcester Cathedral (2010)

Completing The English Cathedral involved coordinating visits at times of day when Marlow could experience the buildings in natural light, not unlike the way they were seen for centuries before the advent of electricity. He focused on the churches’ naves, illuminating their rosette-covered wooden ceilings, Gothic arches, altars, and hints of apses beyond.

An exhibition of The English Cathedral opens on July 21 and continues through August 31 at Southwark Cathedral, which has roots dating back at least to the 11th century. Today, it’s the oldest Gothic church in London.

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