Naked Christ
by Michele Coxon
One of the most controversial sculptures in Shrewsbury Abbey’s history, depicting the crucifixion of Jesus, is being taken down after three years – on Good Friday.
Michelle Coxon’s sculpture, The Naked Christ, caused a storm of controversy when it was put on display in 2001 and is now set to tour around other churches, including Lichfield Cathedral, to further test public opinion.
Vicar of Shrewsbury Abbey, the Reverend Christopher Sims, said as Good Friday remembered the body of Jesus being taken down from the cross it seemed an ‘appropriate time’ to remove the statue.
He said: “At a recent meeting of the parochial church council it was decided that this very creative work of art had served its purpose in providing a challenging statement on the death of Christ.
“It was thought that an appropriate time to remove it from display would be after the devotional service on Good Friday.”
The artist behind the work, Michele Coxon, said despite the divided opinion she was pleased the statue had been displayed at the Abbey and if a proposed tour went ahead more people could see it.
She said: “There has been a lot of problems with it, people either absolutely hate it or they love it. It’s been about fifty-fifty.
“I think there will be some people who want it to stay but I think it’s good that it will be seen by more people.”
Worthy piece of art
Former Bishop of Shrewsbury, John Davies, said he thought the statue was a worthy piece of work and was trying to organise either a tour or a display at another venue, such as Lichfield Cathedral.
“I certainly hope that it will find a niche fairly soon, if only because the summer season is when most visitors come to a place,” he said. “I would hope that some venues would respond positively to it.”
The removal of the statue is part of Shrewsbury Abbey moving on, according to Mr Sims, with the launching of a redesigned website and a new votive candle stand proving very popular. The new website can be found at www.shrewsburyabbey.com.