S2 E05 • Graffiti in the Cathedral: Jacquiline Creswell and Alex Vellis

In this episode, David Trigg is joined by curator Jacquiline Creswell and poet Alex Vellis to discuss the exhibition "Hear Us" at Canterbury Cathedral, which centres on the idea of asking God a question.Controversially, parts of the cathedral's majestic architecture have been covered with eye-catching graffiti. But the building hasn't been vandalised; the colourful graphics, which will leave no trace, present thought-provoking questions for God developed in collaboration with marginalised groups from Canterbury who felt that the cathedral was not a place for them. Questions such as ‘do you know me?’, ‘What happens when we die?’, and ‘Why is there so much pain and destruction?’ cover the historic building's walls, floors and pillars, intended to spark conversations about faith, spirituality and personal growth.Jacquiline and Alex explain how the exhibition was developed, how they persuaded the cathedral to agree to it, and how they have dealt with the storm of criticism it has generated.The exhibition “Hear Us” is at Canterbury Cathedral until 18 January 2026. For more information visit www.canterbury-cathedral.orgSupport the showIf you've enjoyed this episode, please consider buying me a coffee