York Minster

Semaphore Saints return to York Minster

Published Friday 23rd June 2006 by Eleanor Course

The intriguing set of sculptures ‘Semaphore Saints’ by Terry Hammill is returning to York Minster for a second display inside the west end from 26th June to 19th July.  These sculptures were first seen last summer as part of the hugely popular exhibition “Within the Sublime”, an exhibition of twenty four pieces of sculpture inspired by the Minster by fourteen members of the Yorkshire Sculptors Group. 

Terry’s saints occupied some of the empty niches inside the west end of the Minster. Created to harmonise with the stonework, many people were left wondering if the sculptures of figures holding semaphore ‘bats’ had always been there or if they were new!

In their first installation, the ‘saints’ spelled out ‘Christ is here’ using the semaphore alphabet, which visitors had to decode using crib sheets supplied. A few people had trouble identifying the letters, resulting in some interesting interpretations, but this in itself helped to underline Terry’s theme of communication and mediation of messages.

Louise Hampson, Collections Manager for the Minster said “The Dean and Chapter are delighted Terry has agreed to his sculptures coming back here, after such a positive response last year. What this year’s ‘message’ will be is yet to be revealed – watch that space!”

York residents can use their Minster passes to see the ‘Semaphore Saints’ free of charge.