In an illustrative talk, iconographer Carol Henderson, (wife of poet Stewart Henderson) describes her personal journey into the ancient art of sacred representation. Carol will also explain some of the metaphors, techniques and symbolic uses of colour prevalent in this exacting application of trying to present ‘the Luminous Unseen’.

To the C21, mainly secular eye, how should the traditional art of Iconography be categorised? Whereas other ‘schools’ of art present the viewer with a way of seeing, Iconography could be said to inform a way of being; whilst offering, (in our visually-driven culture), an opportunity to dwell with images of the ‘First Image’. And to reflect on the portrayed principles of Orthodox, Christian belief.

Although Carol regards herself as very much an Apprentice in the Byzantine tradition, her work has been shown in group exhibitions, such as Writing in Gold at The Conquest House Gallery, Canterbury and this year’s Metamorphosis display at The London Jesuit Centre, Mayfair. Carol’s largest icon, The Holy Trinity (after Rublev) has recently been purchased for The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Bermuda, and is due to be officially dedicated next year. Some of Carol’s work can be viewed on her website page:  https://www.stewart-henderson.com/carol-henderson/