One of my favourite places to photograph in Coventry is its magnificent cathedral, where the ruins of the medieval building stand alongside the modern cathedral, particularly when the sunlight streams through its spectacular stained-glass windows.
The contrast between the two buildings is extraordinary. The ruins of the original cathedral, destroyed during the Coventry Blitz in November 1940, have been preserved alongside the modern cathedral, designed by architect Sir Basil Spence and opened in 1962.
Together, they tell an important story about Coventry’s history, resilience and remarkable architectural heritage.
The colours of Coventry Cathedral
One of the highlights of the modern cathedral is the Baptistry Window, designed by artist John Piper and made by glass artist Patrick Reyntiens.
It’s an astonishing piece of work, with 195 panels of richly coloured glass arranged around a central burst of golden light.
I love how the colours change as the sunlight moves across the building. Reds, yellows, blues and greens illuminate the interior, creating a different atmosphere depending on the time of day.
It’s a wonderful example of how art and architecture can work together, and a reminder of the extraordinary contribution that artists and designers made to Britain’s post-war buildings.
I could happily spend hours here with my camera.
Cathedral Glow and The Coventry Colour Palette
When I was researching The Coventry Colour Palette, the cathedral just had to feature.
Cathedral Glow is my reference to those beautiful yellows and golds that illuminate the interior, and one of six colours celebrating Coventry’s architecture, history and culture.
The other shades include Spon Street Brown, inspired by the city’s medieval timber-framed buildings, Godiva White, Big Cat Green and Two Tone Black, a tribute to Coventry’s hugely influential music scene.
Each colour has its own connection to the city, creating a collection of stories told through design.
If you’re visiting Coventry, do make time to explore both the old and new cathedrals. Take your camera, too.
Explore The Coventry Colour Palette
Discover our collection of Coventry gifts, including colourful mugs, framed wall art, prints and accessories inspired by the city’s heritage.
