This article explains the rationale for my artwork at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in memory of the Victorian social reformer and feminist Josephine Butler.

The inspiration for my artwork originates from a consideration of Josephine Butler’s influential life and achievements. In her 2001 biography, Jane Jordon states “Josephine Butler was… a powerful force for change … who brought superhuman energy to her often dangerous campaigning work … swaying huge crowds with her speeches and writing fiery and effective polemics”. Using such observations, I have explored the idea of Josephine Butler as a ‘powerful force for change’, possessing as she did both extraordinary energy and dynamism. Having researched forces of energy in nature I established that rutilated quartz has characteristics that resonate with the human qualities that Butler is said to have possessed.  My design represents the randomly distributed needle like inclusions of titanium oxide in quartz, a mineral associated with supercharged energy, cleansing, purification and meditation, whilst also being an energy conductor and magnifier.  Whilst these attributes can be said to reflect Butler’s qualities and achievements, rutilated quartz has important liturgical importance, considered as it is to be sprinkled with the heavenly dust of angels.  My artwork seeks to convey these energetic forces by creating striking visual dissonance within its abstracted metallic elements.

To ensure that my work celebrates the life of Butler in a contextually relevant way I wished to create a clear relationship with the existing architecture of the chapel. When creating the artwork, I was particularly interested in both the organic floral forms represented in aspects of the carving, along with the flowers depicted in some of the stained glass.  Acknowledging also that many Victorian women had a particular interest in horticulture, the artwork depicts a range of flowers that are said to possess attributes that may be associated with Butler; Angelica (inspiration); Chamomile (patience in adversity); Edelweiss (courage and devotion); Speedwell (feminine fidelity) and Wallflower (faithfulness in adversity).  In addition, the yellow rose, important because of its associations with the suffragette movement, is also represented. Thus, whilst introducing contemporary, abstracted elements within the artwork I also conveyed figurative components.  The carved and gilded flower motives on the surface introduce both tactile qualities and refraction, juxtaposed with the almost explosive gold and silver strands trapped within.  

I have also carefully considered the design and relevance of the fixings securing the glass. When researching these components’, I decided to adopt leaf motives, which both resonate as symbols of life whilst complimenting the design of the artwork. I chose beech, which symbolises revelation of experience and the changes that arise, and the birch leaf, a tree associated with new beginnings, renewal and purification. Having created fine pencil drawings, my renderings were exquisitely sculpted and translated into cast bronze.  

Sarah Galloway

17 January 2021 

JORDAN, J (2001) Josephine Butler London: John Murray