Truro Cathedral is about to unveil a new project which offers a modern and artistic twist which interprets its Christian ideology and its unique Cornish heritage using many of the furnishings, objects and interiors used in worship.

The project was devised by Jamie Hanson, higher education team lead at Cornwall College Camborne in association with Truro Cathedral and is a chance for art degree students to develop and design art pieces that re-interpret the everyday life of the cathedral, helping to covey the deeper meaning of certain items, either symbolically or for the people who use them.

Jamie said: “Following a private tour of the cathedral, our second year contemporary creative practice students were able to document their visit, by photographing certain items and use the images as references. I was looking for art pieces that demonstrated a respect for the beliefs of the Christians who use them, while also raising questions and stimulating debate.”

The project, which relates directly to a practical second year module on the degree course, is aimed at getting art students to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks and includes the students having to write a 300 word written proposal as a final statement of intent.

Kirsten Gordon, education leader at Truro Cathedral, added: “This is a wonderful project and we are delighted to be part of it. It is very rewarding showcasing how the cathedral works and to have new and fresh interpretations of how that comes across to creative artists."

The finished works will be exhibited in the cathedral from next Tuesday, June 27, until July 16 and admission is free.

Alan Bashforth, Canon Chancellor of Truro Cathedral, said: “It has been a great pleasure to speak with and interact with the students of Cornwall College in this project and we have had many interesting conversations arising from their encounter with the Cathedral. I am genuinely excited by the art work which depicts both a vehicle for the gifts and talents of the students; while at the same time in some way saying something about God and our encounter with the sacred."