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Unveiling St Michael and the devil JLP01_08_057617
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Unveiling St Michael and the devil JLP01_08_057617
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL, PRIORY STREET, COVENTRY. A group of people attending the unveiling ceremony of the statue St Michael and the Devil by sculptor Jacob Epstein at Coventry Cathedral.
The statue of the Archangel Michael overcoming the Devil was the last sculpture Sir Jacob Epstein created before he died in 1959. The statue overlooks the steps leading up to the entrance of Coventry Cathedral.
The man at the centre of the group, walking with two women, is believed to be Sir William Kirby Laing (1916-2009)
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 23993676
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1960s Building Site Cathedral Ceremony Construction People
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a momentous occasion at Coventry Cathedral in the 1960s. A group of individuals gathers to witness the grand unveiling ceremony of the magnificent sculpture, "St Michael and the Devil" created by renowned sculptor Jacob Epstein. The statue itself is a powerful representation of Archangel Michael triumphing over evil, serving as a symbolic guardian for all who enter through the cathedral's entrance steps. It stands tall, overlooking its surroundings with an air of strength and determination. At the heart of this gathering stands a distinguished man, flanked by two women. Believed to be Sir William Kirby Laing, his presence adds an aura of importance to this historic event. As he walks alongside these women, one can only imagine the conversations buzzing around them - discussions about artistry, spirituality, and perhaps even admiration for Epstein's final masterpiece before his passing in 1959. This photograph not only captures a significant moment in time but also serves as a testament to human creativity and resilience amidst construction sites and building projects. It reminds us that even within chaos and destruction, beauty can emerge – just like St Michael overcoming the devil himself.
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