The setting for Kris Martin’s project is the Black-E – the former Great George Street Church in Liverpool’s Chinatown which is now a community facility. I had never been in the church before and the setting is brilliant. I know Mum once went into it for a service because she told me about heard Woodbine Willie preach there. The Rev. Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, better known as Woodbine Willie, became one of the best known figures of World War I. At the outbreak of the war he volunteered as a chaplain, and won the Military Cross in 1917. His habit of handing out cigarettes to troops earned him his nickname, being a heavy smoker himself.
In myth and legend, swords are symbols of protection, purity and truth.
Frequently they have the power of magic attributed to them and Kris Martin’s sword – entitled Mandi XV and first displayed in 2007 – is certainly magical.
A great contribution to the Liverpool Biennial.
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What a spectacular building, you have captured it's charm and magnificence perfectly !
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post...
Hmm... maybe there is something wrong with me, but looking at a huge sword dangling from above, I do not feel protected but threatened.
ReplyDeleteWhy the name "Black E" ?
I jove the last shot looking up at the sword. I'm glad I found your blog.
ReplyDeleteThis really good, makes me want to visit.
ReplyDeletethat is a great picture! PHEW would hate to have to drag that one into battle ! LOL I love the history of the times of swords and magic and such, it was some very hard living. I can't imagine having lived in those days but I do love the history of it.
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