Blackburn Cathedral A £400,000 scheme to complete Blackburn Anglican Cathedral was undertaken in 2000/2001. The main focus of the work involved the re-building of the east end roofs and parapets, together with the construction of the high profile piece of public art on the blank eastern gable. English Heritage supported the physical works on the Cathedral, and the sculpture work has been financed through the European Regional Development Fund.

Students and school children were among those members of the local community to contribute ideas for the piece, which has been designed by the internationally acclaimed artist Mark Jallard.

The colossal 35-foot by 26 foot sculpture, which has been named 'The Healing of The Nations' is an abstract steel and copper circular piece and has become a major new attraction in the town. Hydraulics and fibre optics between two copper skins make all 7 tons of the awe-inspiring sculpture slowly 'pulse' or 'breathe' creating ever-changing patterns of light.
Healing of the Nations  The sculpture reflects a passage from the last chapter of the Bible where the Book of Revelation describes the river of life. It has already excited international interest as one of the most innovative pieces of modern sculpture at an English Cathedral. 

 

 

 

 

Further information

Please contact the marketing development officer (01254) 585630  or email regeneration@blackburn.gov.uk