Why I #LoveSunderlandHeritage

Why I love Sunderland

Helen McNeill has been volunteering with Seventeen Nineteen since March 2022, using the space to draw and create artworks while welcoming visitors and developing workshops.

The work I have submitted to the exhibition reflects how Holy Trinity continues to be a consecrated building and that without the local people's commitment from the 1700’s to the present day it would not exist today. It is still a place of formal worship, but encompassess being a place where historical, educational and social elements of community life are encouraged and facilitated. This also existed when the church was first built, and this in itself represents a very strong aspect of the buildings Judao-Christian heritage, of which one focus of concern is the needs and care of the local community in all aspects of their lives. 

The presence of an altar, the symbol of sacrifice and life, the candlesticks and the Magen David designed into the stained glass window depict a very important foundation of the development of Sunderland into the city it is today. The Reverend Robert Gray and the people whose lives have been linked to this church will have lived to serve the community and remembering this is why I wanted to paint the altar with the symbols of sacrifice and life it contains. 

I began with a pencil sketch and once I was happy with the composition, I used ink over the pencil sketch. I chose to use watercolor as I find it a medium that creates many tones that create an ‘atmosphere’ in the painting and blend together the old and the new. The atmosphere for me around the altar is one of a sacred space to set aside all concerns and meditate on the awesomeness of God. The altar covered with a white cloth symbolises holiness, the candlesticks to remind us of the light that never goes out and the flowers reflect creation, and though they will fade, there is an eternal life that will not. For me, I hope that this piece will enable the viewer to encounter these symbols and reflect on the eternal hope that they represent and one that inspired the people of Sunderland whose lives were lived in and through this church. 

See Helen's work at the #LoveSunderlandHeritage exhibition between Friday the 26th of May and Wednesday the 8th of June and explore the work of volunteers and residents who love Sunderland's heritage.