Business leaders and local professionals from across Gloucestershire viewed some of the biggest names in modern sculpture during Willans solicitors’ private view last night.
Supported by Willans and jointly organised by Gloucester Cathedral and Gallery Pangolin, the eight week Crucible2 exhibition opened to the public earlier this week.
At its private view, the Gloucestershire law firm welcomed close to 200 clients and contacts to a drinks and canapés reception in the nave of Gloucester Cathedral. Guests included the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, councillors and representatives from organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, The Honourable Company Arts & Heritage Group, Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, University of Gloucestershire as well as private clients and contacts of the firm to include a number of the region’s Top 100 businesses.
After brief introductions given by the Dean of Gloucester and the law firm’s managing partner, guests explored the exhibition of 100 pieces placed in and around the medieval building. Featured were some of the most exceptional sculptures produced in Britain over the past 50 years by some of our most internationally renowned sculptors, such as Damien Hirst, Lynn Chadwick, Antony Gormley and Kenneth Armitage.
Margaret Austen, managing partner of Willans, said the evening was well received.
“We are long-time supporters of the arts in the county and are delighted to have been given the opportunity to support the Cathedral and help make Crucible2 a reality.
“This is a wonderful exhibition in one Gloucestershire’s most splendid buildings. Willans are proud to be associated with it and to have assisted in making this a free exhibition for everyone.
“We were delighted to have been joined by some of the county’s leading figures for a fascinating preview last night. We have been looking forward to this event for many months and are pleased that it was such a success.”
Mr Robert Bernays Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire attended the private view and commented on his experience of the event:
“The exhibition was incredible, and it is such accessible beauty. Some of the sculptures you might not necessarily understand but I found that intriguing. It was a nice evening and good to see familiar faces in fabulous surroundings.”
The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester, said:
“We are delighted to have Crucible return to Gloucester Cathedral with so many internationally renowned artists taking part. This exhibition not only lets people in the county see this important work, but it also sets this magnificent medieval building in a different light.”
“It has been a wonderful experience to see such interesting pieces of modern art being installed in the Cathedral for the Crucible2 exhibition and I’m grateful to Willans for their support in making this possible.”
Crucible2 runs from 1 September until 31 October at Gloucester Cathedral.
