‘Joyful Assembly’, a vibrant installation by artist Rachael Woodman, was initially displayed during the museum’s first exhibition in 2023 and quickly became a visitor favourite.
The piece, composed of 35 hand-blown glass forms in hues of turquoise, blue, and green, draws its inspiration from a passage in the Book of Hebrews.
It’s a vivid, spiritual expression of worship and community.
The sculpture, created in 2020 with the help of glassmakers including Neil Wilkin, was previously exhibited at Ruthin Craft Centre in North Wales, the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, and the Harley Gallery in Nottinghamshire.
The curators of the Faith Museum first discovered the piece at the latter and subsequently invited Woodman to include it in their inaugural exhibition.
She said: “I’ve been a glassmaker for over forty years.
“In that time, I’ve learned so much about working with the material and I’m still learning about this beautiful medium and the potential it has as a vehicle for storytelling.
“Joyful Assembly is about wonder and worship; it draws on a lifetime of working with glass, its movement, its ability to hold and reflect colour and light, and channels that into something joyful and deeply rooted in my Christian faith.”
Clare Baron, head of exhibitions at The Auckland Project, expressed her delight at acquiring the piece permanently.
She said: “Joyful Assembly exemplifies our commitment to showcasing contemporary responses to, and expressions of, faith.
“Rachael’s work resonates visually, emotionally and spiritually and we are thrilled to make it a permanent part of our collection.”
The Faith Museum, designed by Níall McLaughlin, opened to the public in October 2023.
It forms part of The Auckland Project’s collection of attractions, which were recognised for their architectural achievements by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) last year.
The museum explores the impact of faith on British society over the last 6,000 years.
It features over 250 objects from various collections, including rarely seen items and contemporary commissions, to illustrate the role of faith in shaping lives and communities throughout history.