'Metamorphosis' - Icon Exhibition at Farm Street Church

Metamorphosis', an exhibition of icons by Dr Irina Bradley, has opened at Farm Street Church in Mayfair.

Irina is one of the leading iconographers in the UK. Her works have been exhibited at Buckingham Palace, Christchurch Cathedral in Oxford, Cumberland Lodge in Great Windsor Park, and other venues.

There are approximately 75 pieces in this new show, including an icon of St Magnus Erlendsson. The image is based on the recent facial reconstruction of the saint, which in turn drew on photographs from the 1920s of what is said to be the skull of the 12th Century Norse earl.

Irina's icons are created to be prayerful meditations which focus on the the transformation which takes place in the souls of the faithful. While working on the icon of St Magnus, Irina said it was as though the saint was staring into her soul.

Before she began work on that icon, Irina made a pilgrimage to St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall in Orkney to allow her to connect with the saint. While there, she was allowed to examine a representation of the family tree of St Magnus and was surprised to discover that the saint and her husband share a common ancestor.

Irina is an Orthodox Christian herself and follows the tradition of icon painters from the past, who fast and pray while making their works of art. Often seen as historical art, Irina is creating contemporary icons which keep the art of iconography alive while remaining true to its principals.

The exhibition is open to the public at the following times:

From Saturday 15 January to Wednesday 9 February:

Saturdays - 11am to 8pm

Sundays - 11am to 8pm

Weekdays - 8am to 8pm

Two lectures to be given by Irina will also be hosted by Farm Street.

The first: 'Icons in the Making' is on Friday 21 January at 6.45pm. Tickets can be purchased here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/icons-in-the-making-tickets-247111415897

The second: 'Symbolism of Colour in Icon Painting' is on Monday 7 February at 6.45pm. Tickets can be purchased here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-symbolism-of-colour-in-icon-painting-tickets-247129881127

FURTHER LINKS

Irina Bradley's website: www.irinabradley.com

BBC - Face of Orkney's St Magnus reconstructed - BBC News: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-38892669

Interview with Irina on BBC Radio Orkney, 6 January 2022: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXU7ivzsT8Q