Last night, the Bishop of London attended and spoke at
the launch of Wren 300 at the Guildhall Art Gallery.
2023 marks
the 300th anniversary of the death of Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) – mathematician,
astronomer, physicist, anatomist and one of the United Kingdom’s greatest
architects.
The Wren 300
festival will celebrate his achievements with a year-long education and
conservation programme for children and adults.
The programme will
highlight Wren’s impact, focusing primarily on the City churches and St Paul’s
Cathedral. With projects including school pupils building a replica of the dome
of St Paul’s, and a ‘Wrenathon’ of choirs across The City of London, Wren 300 offers
a range of opportunities to explore the work of Sir Christopher Wren through
conservation, heritage, and musical activities.
Wren 300 is supported by the
National Lottery Heritage Fund, Royal Academy of Engineering, The Linbury
Trust, the London Fire Brigade Museum and the City Churches.
As well as Bishop Sarah, speakers
at last night’s reception included the Lord Mayor of the City of London and the
Chair of Historic England. There was also a performance by the Square Mile
Chorus Scholars.
Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally,
said: “With projects which will involve heritage, education, music and
conservation activities across the capital, Wren 300 is about inspiring
new generations to engage in Sir Christopher Wren’s life and work and their
relationship with the Christian Faith. We are indebted to Wren for
the extraordinary legacy of his church buildings. To this day, they continue to
support people across London, whether as places for Christians to worship and
to serve local community needs, as well as for people of all faiths and none to
come together.”The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons added: “Sir Christopher Wren arguably did more than any other person to
shape the City’s skyline. The stunning buildings he left us continue to inspire
and enthral people who live in, work in and visit the City.“The City Corporation is delighted to support this programme,
which will help a new generation to learn about Wren’s legacy and foster in
21st century Londoners a connection to and sense of pride in the City.”
To
find out more about Wren300 please visit: squaremilechurches.co.uk/wren-300/
