Renowned British photographer Peter Marlow (1952-2016) gained recognition for his journalistic focus on people and events in conflict zones and political settings. Alongside his professional work, he pursued several personal documentary projects, including Liverpool: Looking Out to Sea, which he completed during the late 1980s and early 1990s as the city faced significant economic downturn, rendering its historic docks obsolete for global commerce. Marlow also served as president of Magnum Photos on two occasions.
One of Marlow’s more contemplative ventures involved photographing 42 Anglican cathedrals throughout England. The Anglican Christian tradition originates from the founding of the Church of England after the English Reformation in the 16th century, although the architectural heritage of many cathedrals often predates this era.
For his project The English Cathedral, Marlow meticulously planned visits to the cathedrals to capture them in natural light, reminiscent of how they appeared before the introduction of electricity. His work highlighted the naves, drawing attention to the intricate wooden ceilings adorned with rosettes, the Gothic arches, altars, and glimpses of the apses.
An exhibition showcasing The English Cathedral is set to open on July 21 and will run until August 31 at Southwark Cathedral, a historic site with origins tracing back to at least the 11th century. Today, it holds the distinction of being London’s oldest Gothic church.
