Artist paints 15ft Christ to cover boards

Major development work is continuing in the Cathedral nave as part of a major renovation project.

Cathedral staff faced with plain plasterboards decided to bring in artist Steve Simpson to bring a little colour and life to the scene.

He created a 15ft depiction of Christ.

Mr Simpson, a well known local artist and former art foundation course leader, said: “There was just this enormous blank space created by the hoardings that the builders have put up, and I felt it was crying out for a dominant image and thought Christ in Majesty was fitting.”

Yesterday afternoon he supervised the painting being put in position, which involved scaffolding and a hoist.

Once the building work has finished next year, Mr Simpson is hopeful that the catherdal authorities will find a suitable place for the painting to go.

The nave is being transformed with improved lighting, flooring, heating and sound systems and a better interior to reveal the heritage features.