I have been artist in Residence at the Cathedral of The Sea in Portsmouth. The Hermitage Residency is funded by Arts Council England and supports their 2018-19 creative theme of Time.

My studio space in the dome loft above the bell tower inspired me to create Soup of Souls. A new body of work currently on show in the nave of the Cathedral. Eight huge charcoal drawings on paper hung between the vast columns of the main space. The drawings 3m x 4m in size tell the local maritime stories of loss at sea. From national treasures like Henry VII Tudor Mary Rose ship wreck to the tragic WWI story of the SS Mendi.

Mixed with the big historical blockbusters are individual stories of personal loss with family and friends in contemporary history.

The exhibition has been extended twice now due to popular demand and exception footfall. The exhibition book launch and documentary preview last week continue to draw a crowd. Books are available from the exhibition shop and direct from the artist. £15 +p&p

Residency funded by ACE. Hosted by Portsmouth Cathedral. Artist: Pete Codling