Before Action – Lichfield Cathedral – 4th – 6th August 2016

‘Before Action’ was a special commemoration event and a one off art installation at Lichfield Cathedral to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The commemoration event took place over three evenings from 4 – 6 August 2016 transforming the inside of the Cathedral into a thought-provoking, emotive and poignant landscape. The installation symbolised the journey taken by soldiers to the front, using the words of war poets, visual arts, light and sound. The artwork transformed the interior of the Cathedral, offering viewers an immersive experience as they remember the Somme and the wider impact of the First World War.

The event incorporated a series of light projections and sound artworks ; an exhibition of  First World War related prints by artist Dennis May; an Edwardian sitting room; and exclusive recordings of war poetry by Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, which can only be seen in their entirety at the event.

It was supported by the Imperial War Museum who provided around 200 images for the event.

Click below to view video: