St James' Church, Clapham, London/Drawn into your Presence
St James' Church, Park Hill, London, Greater London, SW4 9PB
In 1872, Samuel and Louisa Relf were married in St James’ Church, Clapham; their marriage was recorded in their copy of the Imperial Family Bible. 150 years later the bible returned to St James.
Their bible included 73 monochrome engravings of revered paintings by artists such as Da Vinci, Raphael and Titian; paintings that hang in the world’s greatest galleries such as the Louvre, Vatican, Prado and V&A.
When award-winning photographer, Jim Grover, saw these engravings he was awestruck; he photographed and enlarged them, giving them new life and energy, and revealing their breathtaking craftsmanship. In a unique new photography exhibition, 'Drawn into your Presence', Grover has paired 30 of the enlarged engravings with 30 monochrome photographs depicting ministry, faith and church life that Jim has taken over the last decade.
The spellbinding story of what became of Samuel and Louisa, and their descendants, is also exhibited, as is the story of the Imperial Family Bible.
The St James’ that Samuel and Louisa were married in was destroyed in WW2. The current St James’ (Grade II) is the work of renowned church architect Nugent Cachemaille-Day; St James’ is one of his most important post-war designs. The story of St James’, and its re-building, is exhibited.
Every Saturday (5-6.30pm) there will be a film or presentation that relates to the exhibition or the Heritage Open Days theme, ‘Everyday Histories’. Details of films and presentations at www.stjamesclapham.org.uk.
Timings
- Wednesday 16 September:
- 11am-6pm
- Thursday 17 September:
- 11am - 8pm
- Friday 18 September:
- 11am - 6pm
- Saturday 19 September:
- 11am - 7pm
- Sunday 20 September:
- 1pm - 6 pm
Location & directions
St James' Church, Park Hill, London, Greater London, SW4 9PB
- Directions:
- Church faces on to both Park Hill and Briarwood Road. Nearest tube stations: Clapham Common (Northern line); Brixton (Victoria line). Overground: Clapham High Street.
- Contact on day:
- Jim Grover
- Telephone number:
- +447803855889
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Additional information
A press release with media images is available. The exhibition and events continue through to October 18th (Wednesdays - Sundays). An exhibition catalogue that contains the complete exhibition is available for those who cannot attend in person. Contact Jim Grover at [email protected] to obtain a copy.
