A joyful new addition to the Faith Museum
The Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland has announced the acquisition of Joyful Assembly, a striking glass installation by celebrated artist Rachael Woodman, for its permanent collection.
Comprising 35 hand-blown glass forms in vivid shades of turquoise, blue and green, the piece was inspired by a passage from the book of Hebrews. It expresses a sense of worship and community through light and movement - qualities that made it one of the most admired works in the museum’s opening exhibition in 2023.
Created in 2020 with a team of glassmakers led by Neil Wilkin, Joyful Assembly was first shown at Ruthin Craft Centre in North Wales before touring to the National Glass Centre in Sunderland and the Harley Gallery in Nottinghamshire. It was during that tour that curators from the Faith Museum invited the artist to exhibit the work.
“I’ve been a glassmaker for over forty years,” said Rachael. “Joyful Assembly is about wonder and worship; it draws on a lifetime of working with glass and channels that into something joyful and deeply rooted in my Christian faith.”
Clare Baron, head of exhibitions at The Auckland Project, added: “Rachael’s work resonates visually, emotionally and spiritually, and we’re thrilled to make it a permanent part of our collection.”
Opened in 2023, the Faith Museum explores the role of belief in British life across 6,000 years, showcasing more than 250 objects alongside contemporary commissions.