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68 William Pye b. 1938 William Pye was born in London, working in a variety of media with a strong emphasis on stainless steel and cast bronze. Since the mid- seventies water has become an integral and crucial element of his sculpture. He is inspired by the extraordinary qualities of water and fascinated by the natural laws of hydrostatics and how they can be manipulated. Living water, constantly flowing with seemingly no beginning or end. Pye commented, "The overall design was conceived with the cathedral in mind, its cruciform shape marking the intersection at the North Crossing within the nave. The sculpture captures two states of water in one piece contrasting its still reflective quality with the more animated overflowing spouts at each of the four corners." After nearly 150 years without a permanent font in the cathedral William Pye's sculpture is near the North door where the congregation enters to start their journey to worship. The font used for Holy Baptism is the start of the Christian journey and a sacred reminder of God's aid and protection to all who walk by. The Baptismal font Inspired by "Sibirica Minor" from the "Brimming bowls" series Green patinated bronze vessel, stainless steel tank, Purbeck freestone plinth, brown patinated bronze grating Oil markings from the Consecration by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams 300 cm diameter Installed 2008; generously funded by Sir Christopher and Lady Benson and The Jerusalem Trust Baptism for adults marks new directions in faith and life. To see your own reflection, you need to bend over the water, as if you were being baptised yourself. What new directions would you like to find for yourself?