Sacred Faces - Icons in Oxford
25th August -19th December 2010
Icons are used in the Eastern Orthodox Church to focus worshippers’ prayers. Their form and function have hardly changed over the last fifteen centuries and their spiritual message is retained even in a museum setting. This exhibition will show Greek and Russian icons from the Picture Gallery and the Ashmolean Museum which are normally not on view. Among them are St George and the Dragon from around 1500 which has just been cleaned and restored to its former splendour and two Ashmolean fragments from a large Last Judgement, which are certainly the most important Russian icons preserved in Oxford. Further works, given to Christ Church in 1980 by C. R. Patterson provide an overview of Russian religious art in the imperial period.
Information for Visitors
Christ Church is both Oxford University’s largest College and the Cathedral Church for the Anglican Diocese of Oxford. Visitors are welcomed throughout the year to enjoy Christ Church’s beauty and fascinating history. We are closed only on Christmas Day.
However, please note that Christ Church is a working academic and religious institution and some areas, including the Hall and the Cathedral, may close, occasionally without notice. The Hall can sometimes be closed between 12 midday and 2 p.m. The Cathedral closes for choir practice every day at 4:45 p.m.
For advance information please telephone the Head Custodian on 01865-276492 or
e-mail: