Norwich has welcomed a major new artwork by acclaimed sculptor Peter Walker. Suspended three metres above the nave of St Peter Mancroft Church, and measuring 6.3 metres across, HIDDEN is a luminous, large-scale installation made of shimmering textiles and light – a contemplative work that asks: What lies beneath the surface?
Commissioned by the church as a gift to the city, this extraordinary work, unique to Peter Mancroft, explores themes of identity, perspective, and untold stories. Each of the sculpture’s six illuminated faces reveals patterns — sacred geometry, natural forms, human figures, inviting visitors to reflect on what remains hidden in our lives and communities. The whole work is on the same scale as Gaia which was so successful at Peter Mancroft four years ago. The installation also has its own music.
The sculptor behind the work, Peter Walker, said:
“HIDDEN is about what we often miss — in ourselves and in others. I wanted to create a space that invites not just looking, but reflection. My hope is that people will uncover and share something of their own — a hidden story, a memory, a moment.”
Community response is central to the project. For months, teams from St Peter Mancroft have worked with schools, care homes, and charities to gather creative responses; in writing, art, music, and spoken word. These will be exhibited alongside the sculpture throughout the summer, with a larger curated show in September and the best of the collection will be published in a book before Christmas.
The Revd Edward Carter, Vicar of St Peter Mancroft, added:
“We commissioned HIDDEN to offer something extraordinary — a space for reflection, imagination and connection. We hope it speaks to everyone who walks through our doors.”
HIDDEN is generously supported by Arts Council England, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Geoffrey Watling Charity, and The Risebrow Trust.