Friends' Lecture Series is a great success
Our Friends Lecture Series has been a great success this year with sell out talks from our volunteer guest speakers.
In September we heard from Andrew Scott, MD of Harrison & Harrison Organ Builders. It was fascinating to hear from Andrew about the history of the company, which is embedded in the North East, and relatable stories and memories enjoyed especially by many of our local audience. Harrison & Harrison Organs are well – known worldwide and it was great to learn more about the traditional craft methods still used today to maintain and create new organs that are still produced in ‘modern day’.
In October we held a talk on the very topical subject of the Bayeux Tapestry. Richard Gamesons’ lecture on the Art and Message of the Bayeux Tapestry gathered much international interest. Many of our overseas and national members were delighted that we record our talks and send them the link so they too can ‘join us’.
Dr Gameson was part of the group who were able to get the Bayeux Tapestry to England so we were privileged he was able to hold this lecture to our members for further insight. A great night was had by all. Our recording on YouTube was an overnight success and the video continues to gather momentum.
It is worth noting that Durham Cathedral Museum is home to some of the oldest surviving embroideries in England. These textiles, known today as the Cuthbert Embroideries, were made in the early 10th century and are older than the famous Bayeux Tapestry. The detailed Embroideries were created in the early 900s and are the only surviving Saxon embroideries to feature full-length human figures. Beautifully preserved, they offer a rare glimpse into medieval craftsmanship over 1,100 years ago.
November sees the much anticipated talk by Marie-Thérèse Mayne,
Exhibitions & Collections Officer at Durham Cathedral. Her lecture entitled ‘All the Heavenly Hosts: Angels in Art’ was delayed in 2025 so we are delighted we were able to reschedule it and bring it to our members this year. She explores the many types of angels that can be seen in art and sculpture. Find out about the different roles they perform, their heavenly duties, and where you can find some of them in and around the Cathedral.
Our Friend Lecture Series resumes after Christmas where we hope to bring you two additional talks. In January find out more about Joseph Barber Lightfoot: The learning and leadership of a Victorian scholar-bishop from Dr David Hunt.
Such was the loyalty and affection in his diocese for J B Lightfoot, Bishop of Durham 1879-89, that his death at the early age of 61 quickly inspired two memorials at the Cathedral: not only the elegant monument on the north side of the Quire (1892), but also the rebuilding in his honour of the Norman Chapter House (1895). This lecture aims to explore something of his life and achievements, following him from the 'ivory towers' of Cambridge - where he had come to be regarded by many as the most eminent New Testament and Early Church scholar of his time - to church leadership at the 'coal-face' of the industrial North-East.
During our February Friends Lecture Series find out about Archaeological insights into Bishop Anthony Bek, Sir Arthur Haselrig and Bishop John Cosin at Auckland Palace by John Castling in 'Gunpowder ... rebellion” and a “most sumptuous” castle'.
All our talks are free to our members and open to all.
Can’t make it or don’t live nearby? All our Friends Lectures are recorded post event and shared with our members so you can enjoy them at your leisure so please make sure you share an email address with us if you can so you don’t miss out.
