The Millennium Chapel, Coventry Cathedral

The Millennium Chapel was dedicated in November 2000 and formed to provide a focus to the Stalingrad Madonna by Kurt Rauber. It is also the first major alteration to the Cathedral since Sir Basil Spence’s design for the New Cathedral was completed in 1962.

The Chapel has been formed off the Swedish staircase, the space available was limited with a black tiled floor and low ceiling height. The transformation of this dark and oppressive space was realised by continuing the Cathedral’s long established Patronage of the Arts. The concept was to provide a simply detailed space which is yet identifiable and to provide a stimulating setting to the Stalingrad Madonna.

The Chapel is defined by a curved facetted glazed wall which is etched with curves that provide a visual break for the commemorative lettering. The screen welcomes exploration of the Chapel beyond and contrasts with the horizontal plane of the new timber boarded floor and low ceiling. The limited palette of natural materials provides a setting to the Madonna which has been recessed in the rear wall and illuminated by the etched glass screen within concealed perimeter lights. The theme of the etched glass continues to the side wall where the screen curves to the rear wall. The etched glass screen incorporates a vertical ladder of four sheets of antique hand made glass. The glazed screens all disappear into channels within the floor allowing the horizontal planes to flow into the Chapel.

The lighting is an important feature of the concept as this has been achieved by bouncing hidden light off walls and into the Chapel through the opalescent side screen. The etching to the commemorative glazed screen is highlighted by the use of fibre optic lighting set into the ceiling.

The etching to the commemorative glazed screen was undertaken by Jane MacDonald, the door handle was made by Julian Coode and the furniture by Rupert Williamson.

The Chapel not only commemorates the new Millennium, but it also provides a quiet space for prayer and contemplation much needed in the Cahedral. The Chapel is to be renamed ‘Chapel of the Stalingrad Madonna’ after the completion of the Millennium Appeal.

Coventry Cathedral Project Sheet

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