Photographs from Jim Grover’s “Here I am” series arrive at Ridley
June 2021
The Principal’s Easter Appeal this year focused on raising funds to enrich the artistic and spiritual heritage of our site. We were very encouraged by the response, and the appeal exceeded our target of £10,000.
Some of the funds will allow us to acquire works of art which will glorify God and celebrate the diversity of our community, including the purchase of images for the chapel, a new frontal for the Communion Table and the construction of a prayer 'poustinia' for use by students in the grounds of the college.
The success of the appeal has also enabled us to purchase a series of framed images from the photographer Jim Grover, which we are pleased to share have now arrived on site.
In 2019 Jim was commissioned by the Bishop of Southwark to produce a series of photographs entitled Here I Am, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ordination of women into the priesthood of the Church of England. Around twenty of these images will now be exhibited around our site.
The Revd Dr Michael Volland, Principal of Ridley Hall, said, “I’m delighted that we have been able to purchase these images to be placed on permanent display in various locations around the College. Jim’s superb photographs, depicting priests from different ethnic backgrounds serving in their parishes and chaplaincies, reflect the diversity of our own community here at Ridley Hall.”
Ridley Hall’s Senior Student, Jerome Daniels, said, “It is wonderful to see the college investing in artwork which shows the beauty of ministry within the Church of England. The images are rich with diversity and life. Many students have commented on how inspiring the photos are for them, and we hope that they will continue to play a part in formation at Ridley for years to come.”
