Step Inside the Naves of England: Truro Cathedral Hosts Stunning Photography Exhibition

Peter Marlow’s Breathtaking Cathedral Portraits Come to Cornwall

Truro Cathedral is set to host Peter Marlow: The English Cathedral, a striking photographic exhibition capturing all 42 Anglican cathedrals in England. Running from 4th March to 3rd April 2025, the exhibition will be displayed in the South Aisle of the cathedral, offering visitors a chance to see these historic spaces in a new light—literally.

Curated by the Peter Marlow Foundation, the exhibition is part of a national tour aiming to showcase this remarkable body of work at each of the cathedrals featured in the series. Truro Cathedral will be the 25th location to display the collection, with its own nave photograph offering a glimpse into the cathedral’s stunning Gothic Revival architecture.

A Unique Perspective on England’s Cathedrals

Internationally renowned Magnum photographer Peter Marlow (1952–2016) began this ambitious project in 2008, originally commissioned by Royal Mail to photograph six cathedrals for a commemorative stamp collection. Captivated by their grandeur, Peter embarked on a photographic journey to document all 42 Anglican cathedrals, shooting each nave with only natural light, stripping away modern artificial illumination to reveal their raw beauty.

Each image, including the one of Truro Cathedral, was taken in the early morning, capturing the first rays of sunlight streaming through the windows. This method created a timeless, almost ethereal portrayal of these sacred spaces, reminiscent of historic church photography from the late 19th and mid-20th centuries.

📷GB. England. Truro Cathedral.

From 'The English Cathedral', Published by Merrell Publishers. Peter Marlow photographed all forty two Anglican Cathedrals over a three year between 2009 and 2012.

The original Polaroid image used by Marlow to check the exposure time and composition of his final shot on film. 2012

Photo: The original instant image used by Peter Marlow to check the exposure time and composition of his final shot on film. Truro Cathedral, 2010

Truro Cathedral’s Place in the Exhibition

Built between 1880 and 1910, Truro Cathedral is one of only four UK cathedrals with three spires and is home to some of the finest Victorian stained glass in the country. The exhibition’s setting in the South Aisle—the only surviving part of the original 16th-century Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin—adds another layer of historical significance.

Peter’s image of Truro Cathedral captures the intricate high vaulted ceiling, ornate decorative sculptures by British sculptor Nathaniel Hitch, and the dramatic Gothic arches. While the chairs may have changed since he took the photograph, the cathedral itself remains a testament to the craftsmanship of the Gothic Revival era.

Sean O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer of Truro Cathedral, shared his enthusiasm for the exhibition, saying:

“I’m delighted that we have secured dates to host this exhibition. We’ve never had 41 other Naves under our roof before so it’s a great opportunity for visitors to see how each of the Anglican cathedrals differ without having to leave Cornwall.”

An Interactive Experience for Visitors

Adding a modern touch, Fujifilm Instax cameras and film will be available for visitors to capture their own moments within the exhibition. These instant photographs will be displayed alongside the collection, shared across social media channels and websites of both Truro Cathedral and the Peter Marlow Foundation.

A competition will also be held, where the Peter Marlow Foundation will select a winner from the visitor photographs. The winner will receive an Estate Stamped Fine Print of a cathedral photograph of their choice.

A Legacy of Architectural Photography

Peter’s work has been exhibited worldwide, with his images held in collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Centre Pompidou (Paris), and the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. His sold-out monograph, The English Cathedral, was first published in 2012, with a second edition in 2015. Featuring essays by Martin Barnes of the V&A and John Goodall of Country Life, the book includes Peter’s personal reflections on his journey photographing these architectural marvels.

Next Stops on the Tour

Following Truro Cathedral, the exhibition will move to:

• Lichfield Cathedral (11th September – 2nd November 2025)

Other cathedrals that have previously hosted the exhibition include St Paul’s, Winchester, Ely, Coventry, and Wells, with many more set to follow in the coming years.

For more information about the exhibition and the work of the Peter Marlow Foundation, visit:
🔗 www.petermarlowfoundation.org
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📘 Facebook

Truro Cathedral also shares updates on its events via:
🔗 www.trurocathedral.org.uk
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
🐦 X (Twitter)

This is a rare opportunity to see Truro Cathedral through the eyes of one of Britain’s most respected photographers. Whether for history, art, or photography enthusiasts, Peter Marlow: The English Cathedral is a must-see event in Cornwall this spring.

📷GB. England. Truro Cathedral. (Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

From 'The English Cathedral', a Book published by Merrell in October 2012. Between 2010 and 2012 Peter Marlow photographed the Nave's of all forty two of England's Anglican cathedrals using only natural light at dawn. Marlow’s photographs are accompanied by his commentary on the project, including sketches and preparatory shots; an introduction by V&A senior photography curator Martin Barnes on the tradition of church photography in England, and a concise summary of each cathedral interior by architectural historian John Goodall.

2012

Photo: – GB. England. Truro Cathedral. (Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary) – From ‘The English Cathedral’, a Book published by Merrell in October 2012. Between 2010 and 2012 Peter Marlow photographed the Nave’s of all forty two of England’s Anglican cathedrals using only natural light at dawn. Marlowâ photographs are accompanied by his commentary on the project, including sketches and preparatory shots; an introduction by V&A senior photography curator Martin Barnes on the tradition of church photography in England, and a concise summary of each cathedral interior by architectural historian John Goodall.