The newly enthroned Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam (pictured), is making his first visit to Marlborough on Monday when he will talk at St Mary’s about his beautifully illustrated new book, Art of Worship.
It is based on his exploration of paintings in the National Gallery, opposite St Martin-in-the Fields, on the edge of Trafalgar Square, where he was vicar since 1995, through readings, meditations and prayers.
The event has been arranged by Mustard Seed, the religious bookshop and coffee house in Waitrose car park, whose £5 tickets for the 7.30 on event includes wine and £1 off the price of the book.
“Art can often take us outside ourselves, beyond our everyday concerts,” said Rachel Maurice, whose has organised the event with her husband, an ordained priest at St Mary’s.
“The Bishop’s thoughtful and often highly personal observations encourage private prayer, contemplation and meditation. The book is a rich resource for anyone seeking stillness, and shows how art can be a powerful starting point for worship.”
The event is one very much welcomed by Marlborough’s rural dean and rector, the Rev Andrew Studdert-Kennedy, who has been to Salisbury to meet the new Bishop, now returned from a nine-day visit to the Sudan.
“I am very impressed with him,” he said. “He is a very interesting person and also an extraordinarily nice man, very thoughtful and a genuinely humble person. He really listens to people.”
“I think his appointment as Bishop of Salisbury is fantastic. The diocese is very lucky to have him.”
Tickets for the evening are available from Mustard Seed, phone 01672 511611.
