Canterbury Cathedral 1987

Editor: So, this is Dennis Creffield's charcoal drawing of Canterbury Cathedral. It's quite large, about a meter tall. I'm struck by its brooding intensity. What do you see in how Creffield represents this iconic religious structure? Curator: It's interesting how Creffield uses charcoal to convey not just the physical presence of the cathedral, but also its cultural weight. Consider how the aggressive marks might reflect the turbulent history of the Church of England, its power struggles, and its place in the national identity. Does the monumentality speak to you of authority? Editor: I see what you mean. It’s not just a building; it’s a symbol loaded with socio-political meaning. I never would have considered it that way. Curator: Exactly. By focusing on the emotional impact and the historical context, we see how art engages with, and sometimes challenges, the status quo.