Photographer Kate Abbey has been the Artist in Residence at Bradford Cathedral since October 2020 and, following over 18-months of work with the Cathedral, is launching her retrospective exhibition ‘As we journey together: an exploration of Faith in Bradford’.

Kate’s work explores the multi-faith community unique to Bradford, asking the question ‘is it possible to photograph faith?’.

Having encountered initial restrictions of access due to lockdown, Kate met members of the Cathedral’s congregation in parks, then gardens, and then homes. As the residency progressed and the work deepened, the project expanded, exploring many different faiths as well as personal spirituality.

Kate Abbey says:

“It was always important to show each sitter’s home within the portraits; there is so much we can learn from their personal landscape. I want the viewer to recognise themselves in the images, as well as appreciate the differences. Although each sitter is alone, they are not isolated, whether it be with their God, with myself taking the shots or together with the other portraits in the exhibition.

As part of the portrait process, I interviewed the sitters to learn more about their specific religions and their personal journey; this created a deeper understanding between us. It allowed me an insight into their beliefs, and unexpectedly raised questions around my own spiritual journey and perception of faith.”

The 12 displays position the people of Bradford back into the congregation.

Alongside the photographs – which will be displayed between the pillars of Bradford Cathedral’s nave – visitors to the exhibition will also be able to hear from the sitters themselves through a special audio recording.

You can enjoy this exhibition from Saturday 18th June - Saturday 30th July during the regular opening hours of Bradford Cathedral – typically 10am – 4pm Monday – Saturday.