The Dean of Chester, Tim Stratford has described the Pilgrim Porch commission as a "feat of engineering being made to last."
Pilgrim Porch is a sculptural bronze porch with ceremonial glass doors positioned at the west end of the Cathedral. It will be unveiled later this year as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
In a video recorded in front of the west doors at Chester Cathedral, Dean Tim said: "These doors are going to be here for centuries. I'm told by the architect that the hinges are going to be designed to last 300 years. I don't know the weight of the doors that hangs on those hinges is, but I was given a small piece of glass that the doors will be made out of and I could barely hold it. These doors are 3m high each; this is quite a feat of engineering being made to last. I do hope you're able to contribute to a really long-lasting story of Christian beginnings and Christian journeys here in Chester Cathedral."
Led by Chester Cathedral and esteemed Cheshire-based artist, Stephen Broadbent, Pilgrim Porch aims to capture a snapshot of worshipping life across the Diocese of Chester. Every parish church has been invited to participate in this exciting and historic commission by contributing a photographic submission which will be permanently encapsulated into the design of the glass doors.