Spirit and Endeavour

The year 2020 marked the 800th anniversary of the laying of the first foundation stone at Salisbury Cathedral. It was a historic moment, the impact of which continues to resonate, not only through the presence of the magnificent Cathedral but also in the city that grew around it.

The concept for this exhibition was inspired by the influence of ordinary people who, united in faith, achieved something extraordinary. This expression of human potential, demonstrated over eight centuries, represents the enterprise and effort that led to the building of Salisbury Cathedral and informed the narrative of Spirit and Endeavour. Collectively, the works explored the human condition, seeking to understand what it is about humanity and faith that inspires such vision and creativity.

The installations challenged visitors to reflect on themselves and their legacy. The exhibition aimed to spark conversations about what empowers people to harness their strengths, find their voices, and feel addressed, echoing the determination and achievement of those who built a city and a cathedral of such distinction.

The result of three years of planning, Celebrating 800 Years of Spirit and Endeavour brought together works by some of the most important and influential contemporary artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Antony Gormley, Shirazeh Houshiary, Henry Moore, Grayson Perry, Conrad Shawcross, Stanza, and Mark Wallinger.

Curated by Jacqueline Creswell.