Wells Cathedral, in partnership with Project Factory CIC, is raising funds to bring a new work by world renowned sculptor Sir Antony Gormley, OBE, to the City of Wells.

Specifically created for the empty Niche 338 on the magnificent West Front of Wells Cathedral, it will undoubtedly inspire a new reading of this gothic masterpiece while fashioning a dialogue between the medieval and the modern. This eagerly anticipated new work will be resident in its niche for 12-18 months. It will be an inspiring new landmark that will draw a national and international audience to the hidden gem that is the City of Wells.

Antony Gormley says: I have chosen this niche for its position and its visibility: the book at the end of the bookshelf. I have used the orthogonal geometry of our modern habitat to evoke the body as a place rather than as a carrier of narrative illustrated by appearance and attribute. The work attempts to invoke the feeling of being isolated and exposed on this corner of a Gothic masterpiece. My purpose is to engage the eye and body of the viewer in empathic projection, to consider our time in the shelter of other times

This generous loan does require funding to cover the transport and installation costs. Beyond that, there are plans for an ambitious programme of associated events for the duration of the installation that will help both the community and new visitors to Wells engage with the West Front. We are therefore looking to raise £85,000 to make this happen and every donation of whatever size will help realise this exciting project.

Project Factory https://www.projectfactory.uk - is a Community Interest Company run by volunteers.

Follow the developments of Niche 338 on Instagram and Twitter at @niche338.