St Pauls Cathedral architecture pictures, Architect Christopher Wren building exhibition, Building date

St Pauls Cathedral London

Religious Building in England: Architecture design by Sir Christopher Wren architect

13 October 2023

St Paul’s Cathedral reopens Library after five-year restoration project

photo : St Paul’s Cathedral / Graham Lacdao
St Pauls Cathedral Library
St Paul’s Cathedral has reopened its Library to members of the public, after five years of restoration work starting in 2018. As part of the conservation project, St Paul’s has cleaned and packed the books and manuscripts, painted the walls, designed a new lighting scheme, constructed desks for readers and a new display case, along with numerous other changes.

post updated 26 April 2023

St Paul’s Cathedral launches exhibition to commemorate Sir Christopher Wren

Photos : St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral Exhibition

On 27 April 2023, a new exhibition will open at St Paul’s Cathedral to mark the 300th anniversary of Sir Christopher Wren’s death. Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge commemorates the remarkable life of the mathematician, astronomer, physicist, anatomist, and one of Britain’s greatest architects.

Wren was responsible for building 51 churches in the City of London in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1666, as well as St Paul’s Cathedral. St Paul’s has long been considered one of his greatest achievements and Wren is buried under a gravestone within the Cathedral with an inscription which says ‘If you seek his memorial, look about you.’

The exhibition will explore and reflect on the life and career of Wren, charting his achievements in mathematics, astronomy and physiology, as well as the design and building of St Paul’s Cathedral. Employing the use of Sensory Learning Theory in designing the exhibition, visitors will be able to experience and learn about Wren’s life through different senses including touch and smell. As well as seeing Wren’s own tools on display, visitors will be able to handle objects, with the smell of the Great Fire of London even being replicated.

The exhibition forms part of the Wren 300 programme of events and activities running throughout 2023. These vary from projects involving school pupils building a replica of the dome of St Paul’s to a ‘Wrenathon’ of choirs across The City of London, exploring the work of Sir Christopher Wren through heritage, conservation and musical activities.

Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, commented:

“Working in this spectacular building is a joy, and every day I am grateful to the man responsible for constructing this remarkable cathedral. As we mark 300 years since Wren’s death, this exhibition forms part of our celebration of his extraordinary life, work and achievements.

“With a variety of materials including drawings, photographs and treasures, St Paul’s new exhibition will provide visitors with an insight into the life of the revolutionary scientist, mathematician and architect.

“We welcome all those across London and the globe to join us in our commemoration of Britain’s greatest architect.”

Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, added:

“This exhibition is a fantastic way to inspire new generations to engage in Sir Christopher Wren’s life and work and their relationship with the Christian faith.

“We are indebted to Wren for the extraordinary variety and legacy of his church buildings across the city. To this day, buildings like St Paul’s continue to support communities across London, as places for Christians to worship, as well as people of all faiths and none to come together.”

For more information see exhibition to commemorate Sir Christopher Wren

Previously on e-architect:

post updated 12 June 2021
St Paul’s Cathedral London Building Photos

page updated 7 Nov 2020

St Paul’s Cathedral

Location: central / east London, north of the River Thames

Date: 1675-1710

Architect: Christopher Wren

photo © Adrian Welch

St Paul’s Cathedral Funding

St Paul’s Cathedral has been given £2.1m as part of the government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund.

The latest raft of funding sees more than £14m awarded to 162 heritage organisations such as St Paul’s, Durham Cathedral and Blenheim Palace.

photo © Adrian Welch

A further £18m has been given to eight arts venues and organisations, like Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Opera North in Leeds and The Lowry in Salford.

The culture secretary hopes it will help them through the Covid pandemic.

The UK government’s cash injection will help with the construction and maintenance costs of St Paul’s Cathedral, which is normally a very popular London tourist attraction.

New photos from 12 Nov 2012:

photo © Adrian Welch

St Paul’s Cathedral

Architect: Sir Christopher Wren

Years built: 604; 962; circa 1088 to 1314; 1677

photo © Adrian Welch

Summary of key aspects of the building:

– Church of England cathedral
– seat of the Bishop of London
– dedication to Paul the Apostle dates back to the original church on this site, founded in AD 604.
– St Paul’s sits at the top of Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London

images © Andrew McRae

– present church dating from the late 17th century
– built to an English Baroque design of Sir Christopher Wren
– as part of a major rebuilding program which took place in the city after the Great Fire of London
– was completed within his lifetime.

– one of the most famous and most recognisable sights of London
– dominating the skyline for 300 years.
– 365 feet (111 m) high, it was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1962

photos © Nick Weall

The dome is also among the highest in the world.

photos © Nick Weall

In terms of area, St Paul’s is the 2nd largest church building in the United Kingdom after Liverpool Cathedral.

photos © Adrian Welch

St Paul’s Cathedral occupies a significant place in the national identity of the English population. It is the central subject of much promotional material, as well as postcard images of the dome standing tall, surrounded by the smoke and fire of the Blitz.

Important services held at St Paul’s have included the funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher; Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria; peace services marking the end of the First and Second World Wars; the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer, the launch of the Festival of Britain and the thanksgiving services for the Golden Jubilee, the 80th Birthday and the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. St Paul’s Cathedral is a busy working church, with hourly prayer and daily services.
Source: wikipedia

photos © Adrian Welch

Contains famous Whispering Gallery under the dome
Stone Gallery – panoramic view over London
Golden Gallery accessed via stairs between inner & outer domes

photos © Adrian Welch

Nearest Tube: St Paul’s

St Paul’s Cathedral – contact: 020 7246 8348

St Pauls Cathedral Architect – Christopher Wren

St. Paul’s Cathedral Building : Lighting Award

St Pauls Cathedral photographs taken with Panasonic DMC-FX01 lumix camera; Leica lense: 2816×2112 pixels – original photos available upon request: info(at)e-architect.com