Artist Simon Morriss has painted a picture of Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams in conversation with scientist Richard Dawkins in preparation for his visit to Cirencester on Friday
4:13pm Wednesday 18th July 2012 in Cotswolds news By Ian Craig
WHEN the Archbishop of Canterbury steps through the doors of Cirencester Parish Church this Friday he will be greeted with a surprising image ? himself in conversation with a well-known atheist.
Artist Simon Morris has painted a picture of Dr Rowan Williams ? who is visiting Cirencester this week as part of his final year in the post ? in conversation with noted atheist Richard Dawkins.
Simon said he was inspired after the two came face to face in a televised debate in February and painted two versions of the image - a watercolour study and a larger painting, both of which sit immediacy inside the entrance of the church.
?It?s not taking sides in the argument,? he said. ?It?s really just about the conversation between the two opposing views.
?I want to prompt discussion.?
Simon, previously a strategic architect at Gloucestershire County Council, is currently foundation degree in creative practice at the University of the West of England, and said his two paintings would be on display until Tuesday August 21.
Parish church vicar Father Leonard Doolan said he was pleased to be able to house the painting inside the church.
?It?s an extremely good characterisation of the Archbishop and its very interesting that he?s in conversation with Richard Dawkins, who is no great friend of Christianity or religion in general,? he said.
He added he was particularly interested that Simon had included in the background the iconic image of the Madonna and Child by Italian monastic artists Fra Angelico and Lippi.
The Archbishop is expected to arrive at Cirencester Parish Church at 11am, where he will be welcomed by the Bishop of Gloucester and vicar Father Leonard Doolan, along with children from Powell?s School.
He will then visit the church coffee shop on Dollar Street for refreshments before meeting members the Fresh Expressions group, a church organisation supporting vulnerable people, before leaving for Cheltenham, at around 1.15pm.
Pick up next week?s Standard for a full report and pictures of the Archbishop?s visit.
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