As well as curating the exhibition my colleagues and I then
began a race against time to complete a most challenging and
complex installation. It was a monumental exercise given the
constraints of this unique environment. Working within the
architectural and historic bounds of the cathedral and close
requires painstaking attention to detail with no room for error.
Working hand in glove with Gary Price, Clerk of Works, the
setting and installation of every piece was carefully planned and
precisely executed. Nothing could interfere with the fabric
of the building, we cannot drill into the walls and no structural
loading is permitted.
In the grounds of the close, 15 tons of soil were extracted,
sieved and replaced for siting works, all under the watchful
eye of our cathedral Archaeologist. Specialist equipment
was needed for every move including a 50 ton crane, three
HIAB cranes , a 14 meter scissor lift and more than 500 hours
of commitment from engineers and professional installers,
all to bring three years of preparation together in just over
the three weeks allowed to install the entire exhibition. The
Works Department alone devoted hundreds of hours working
with the installers to complete the project on time, all under
the looming cloud of the imminent global pandemic. Their
incredible efforts are a testament to the twin themes of spirit
and endeavour which define this exhibition.
Installing the exhibition
by Jacquiline Creswell
