Cathedral sculpture Travel Guide

The Cathedral sculpture is a captivating stained glass window suspended high among the treetops of the Forest of Dean. Crafted by Kevin Atherton in 1986, it hangs approximately 15 feet above the forest floor, creating a surreal interplay of light and color as sunlight filters through the glass. This installation stands out as a beacon of contemporary art within the natural woodland setting, blending human creativity with the organic environment.

The sculpture is part of the wider Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, a 7.7-kilometer (4.8-mile) route featuring 17 artworks inspired by the forest’s wildlife, history, and landscape. Established in 1986, the trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore art in an outdoor context, with sculptures made primarily from natural materials like wood, stone, and iron. The Cathedral sculpture is among the most visually striking pieces, drawing attention for its vibrant stained glass and elevated position.

Visitors encounter the Cathedral sculpture while walking through majestic oaks and towering Scots pine trees along gravel and sometimes muddy paths. The artwork’s suspended stained glass window creates a cathedral-like atmosphere, with shifting light patterns that change throughout the day and seasons. This immersive experience invites reflection on the relationship between art, light, and nature.

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail was developed in partnership with Forestry England and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust, aiming to celebrate the region’s rich industrial past and natural heritage through contemporary art. The Cathedral sculpture embodies this vision, symbolizing a spiritual and architectural form reimagined within a forest setting. It reflects the ongoing dialogue between human culture and the natural world.

The sculpture is accessible via the Sculpture Trail, which is open daily from 8:00 AM until dusk, year-round except Christmas Day. While the trail includes uneven terrain and some slopes, efforts have been made to accommodate visitors with limited mobility, including all-terrain mobility scooter hire. Dogs are welcome on leads. Visitors are encouraged to download the trail map and audio guides beforehand due to limited mobile signal in the forest.

As a permanent installation, the Cathedral sculpture is maintained as part of the evolving forest landscape. The trail’s artworks are designed to change subtly over time as the forest grows and seasons pass, creating a living gallery that connects visitors to both art and nature. The sculpture continues to inspire visitors with its blend of craftsmanship, natural beauty, and contemplative space.