Chancellors Autumn Lectures 2026 Three in One&One in Four-The Trinity&the Evangelists in Art

As part of the Chancellors annual Autumn Lectures, this years series explores the rich interplay between art and faith.Building on Chichester Cathedrals long tradition of engaging with sacred art, these lectures will reflect on how artists across the centuries - from the creators of early icons to modern figures such as celebrated artist and printmaker John Piper - have sought to express the divine through colour, form, and imagination.Together, the lectures invite us to consider how sacred images speak into our lives today: how they illuminate scripture, shape worship, deepen our sense of place, and prompt us to see the world anew.Spaces on the Chancellor's Autumn Lectures cost 10.00 per person (including a glass of wine and soft drink).About this lectureDespite Jewish and Christian insistence that God is invisible and unimaginable, we will examine the symbols used in Christian art (Eastern and Western) to illustrate how the Holy Trinity and the four Gospel writers have been depicted throughout the history of the Church. This lecture will also provide a useful background for discussion of the Piper tapestry in lecture three.Reverend Dr Earl Collins leads on theological education and Christian formation as Canon Chancellor. A former Benedictine monk, His ministry has taken him across the globe, with teaching roles in Rome, Ireland, the United States, India, Nigeria, and Jerusalem, as well as for the New York Centre for Jungian Studies. He has also served as Chaplain and Acting Vice-Principal at Westcott House, Cambridge, and has served in the Diocese of Chichester since 2019, before being installed as Residentiary Canon and Chancellor in 2025.The programme on each evening will be:6.30pm:Arrival and drinks (optional)
7.00pm:Lecture
7.45pm:Questions/discussion
8.30pm: FinishAbout the venueWith its roots dating back to 1397, this splendid hall holds centuries of stories and has witnessed the likes of Keats during his stay in Chichester.Finding Vicars' Hall: Vicars Hall is within the Chichester Cathedral precinct. Public access is via the Cathedral Green, not directly from South Street. Enter from West Street, cross the Cathedral Green, and follow signage for Vicars Hall. It is a short walk (about 510 minutes) from Chichester railway station through the city centre. There is no on-site parking. Nearby public car parks include Little London, Cawley Priory, and Baffins Lane. The what3words location for the Cathedral Green entrance to Vicars Hall is: ///pretty.needed.chill.
Access: Vicars Hall is on the first floor, and it is split across three levels. The lower area of the hall and toilets are accessible to wheelchair users throughout the event.