Divine Beauty at Night – Birmingham Cathedral – 12th – 14th January 2023 and again 4th – 6th January 2024
Birmingham Cathedral Church of St Philip’s remarkable stained-glass windows seen lit up in dazzling colour January 2023 and 2024 as part of an immersive light and sound experience by Luxmuralis.
Entitled ‘Divine Beauty at Night’ the world-renowned light and sound projection company Luxmuralis brought four historic Burne-Jones windows to life, in a spectacular performance suitable for all ages. The use of light and sound told the story of the Victorian stained-glass, in ways that engaged a new audience.
‘Divine Beauty at Night’ is a series of special one-off immersive events that sees imagery from the stained-glass windows projected, floor to ceiling on the inside of Birmingham Cathedral. For three evenings in January, visitors were welcomed into a world of vivid colour, to not only gaze on the beauty of the windows brought to life but also to learn more about these precious treasures in the heart of the city.
Luxmuralis have a passion for taking art onto the streets and providing access to visual artwork in unexpected places. Their collaborative team combines artists from different backgrounds and artistic disciplines – creating works across multiple media and presentation formats. Their previous artwork has included many similar experiences within cathedrals across the UK.
Anna Pitt, CEO of Birmingham Cathedral, said: “Our windows surprise and delight visitors on a daily basis and particularly when lit up at night. The light and sound projections from Luxmuralis even further enhance these beautiful treasures. Divine Beauty at night is a way of getting people of all ages and backgrounds interested in and engaging with the windows – which will be even more dazzling once conservation work is completed later in 2023. We’re also looking forward to starting work on the conservation in the Spring, with opportunities to see the windows and the work taking place up close from special viewing platforms.”
Peter Walker, Artistic Director at Luxmuralis, said: “The Burne-Jones windows in Birmingham Cathedral are amongst artworks which can be rightfully classed as national treasures, I have known the works of Burne-Jones since I was young and we are privileged to be able to bring these windows to life for new audiences.”
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What people said:
“About last night… #wow @divinebeautybhm what a show, all in aid of the conservation of EB-J’s and Morris’ fabulous windows.”
“Birmingham Cathedral….fantastic. Shed a tear…….it was good.”