Winchester Cathedral, in partnership with Messums.org, is thrilled to announce the upcoming arrival of the extraordinary art installation Whales by renowned artist Tessa Campbell Fraser. Opening on 22nd January 2025, this remarkable exhibition will transform the cathedral’s nave into a breathtaking oceanic space.
The installation, which features three monumental sperm whale sculptures, originally debuted at Messums West Gallery in Wiltshire, where it attracted over 20,000 visitors. Now presented in the stunning backdrop of Winchester Cathedral, Whales invites visitors to reflect on interspecies communication and the urgent environmental challenges facing marine life. Admission to the exhibition is included with an annual pass, with no prior booking required. Accompanying the exhibition is a dynamic series of events, including talks, discos, concerts, and February half-term family activities.
The Very Revd Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester, said: ‘Bringing Tessa Campbell Fraser’s Whales to Winchester Cathedral will connect the awe and wonder of God’s creation with a building expressing human longing for connection, human and divine. We will inevitably be led to reflect on our connection with creation and all God’s creatures and the call to live in harmony and justice. Whales are familiar yet mysterious and wonderfully ‘other’. Whales at Winchester Cathedral will create a richly evocative and unforgettable experience for us all.’
Highlights of the programme include a folk concert by The Norfolk Broads, a Valentine’s Date Night, silent discos for both families and adults, and an engaging talk by biologist and filmmaker Tom Mustill on animal communication. Experts from the University of Southampton, who are this event’s sponsors, will also host an evening of thought-provoking talks and performances. Art enthusiasts are invited to an exclusive talk with artist Tessa Campbell Fraser, who will discuss the creation of Whales during a guided walk through the installation. Younger visitors can enjoy the Ocean Commotion Interactive Family Trail, which runs throughout the exhibition, while Circo Rum Ba Ba’s performance of The Whale: Plastic Ocean features puppetry and music. All events take place beneath the stunning whale installations.
This spectacular series of events offers visitors a rare opportunity to engage with the beauty and mystery of whales while reflecting on their vital role in our ecosystem.
For more information about the Whales exhibition and the full event schedule, please visit www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/whales/.
Notes to the editor
Event details
Whales Exhibition
22nd January – 26th February 2025
Visitors will experience the cathedral’s nave transformed into an oceanic realm, fostering a deeper connection with these majestic creatures and highlighting humanity’s environmental impact. Included with an annual pass. No prior booking is required.
Event Programme
A series of events will complement the installation, offering educational and cultural experiences for all ages:
Ocean Commotion Interactive Family Trail
22nd January – 26th February 2025
Families can embark on an interactive trail, engaging in challenges and activities throughout the cathedral.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/ocean-commotion-interactive-family-trail/
The Norfolk Broads Folk Concert
Saturday 1st February 2025, 8.00pm (doors open at 7.30pm)
A four-piece female ensemble performing folk songs beneath the whale sculptures.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/the-norfolk-broads/
Ocean Giants: Whales and the Worlds They Shape
Thursday 6th February 2025, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Join event sponsor the University of Southampton for an evening of thought-provoking talks and performances that explore the diverse worlds created by whales.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/ocean-giants-whales-and-the-worlds-they-shape/
Kimber’s Men Shanty Concert
Friday 7th February 2025, 8.00pm (doors open at 7.30pm)
Renowned shanty group performing maritime songs under the installation.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/kimbers-men/
Artist Talk: Tessa Campbell Fraser
Wednesday 12th February 2025, 10.30am – 12.00pm
The artist discusses her work and the creation of the whale sculptures, followed by a viewing.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/artist-talk-tessa-campbell-fraser/
Valentine’s Date Night under the Whales
Friday 14th February 2025, 7.15pm – 9.15pm
An evening featuring special music, cocktails, and tours beneath the whale sculptures.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/valentines-date-night/
Silent Disco under the Whales for Families
Saturday 15th February 2025, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
A family-friendly silent disco experience in the nave of Winchester Cathedral under the Whales.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/silent-disco-family/
Silent Disco under the Whales for Adults
Saturday 15th February 2025, 9.00pm – 10.30pm
An adult-oriented silent disco event in the nave of Winchester Cathedral under the Whales.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/silent-disco-adults/
The Whale: Plastic Ocean by Circo Rum Ba Ba
Wednesday 19th February 2025, multiple sessions throughout the day
A performance using puppets, comedy, and music to explore marine life and environmental challenges.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/circo-rum-baba/
How to Be a Whale: A Bioacoustic Listening Journey
Friday 21st and Saturday, 22nd February 2025, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
An immersive soundscape experience featuring scientific recordings of whales and dolphins.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/how-to-be-a-whale/
Author Talk and Book Signing: Tom Mustill’s ‘How to Speak Whale’
Saturday 22nd February 2025, 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Biologist and filmmaker Tom Mustill discusses animal communication and his latest book.
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/author-talk-and-book-signing-tom-mustill-how-to-speak-whale/
For more information and the full event schedule, please visit the Winchester Cathedral website www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/whales
Professor Damon Teagle, Director of the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute at the University of Southampton, said: ‘We are truly delighted to be supporting the Whales art installation, and to be leading some of the associated events. Whales are the giants of our oceans that play extraordinary roles in shaping the world’s ecosystems and cultures, and even legal landscapes. Research at the University of Southampton continues to reveal fascinating insights into the significance of these majestic creatures, and we will explore some of these at our Ocean Giants event as part of Whales at Winchester Cathedral.’