The sculpture was originally given to the church by Royal Society of British Sculptors President Edward Bainbridge Copnall
A powerful sculpture of Christ which was removed from a Sussex church amid concerns it was scaring younger members has been rescued by a local museum following four years of negotiations.
Jesus on the Cross was detached from the side of St John’s Bainbridge Heath, in Horsham, last month after church Reverend Ewen Souter said the crucifix was “unsettling for young children” and “conveyed nothing of the hope of the resurrection of Christ.”
The 10-foot figure, which was given to the church in 1963 by Royal Society of British Sculptors President Edward Bainbridge Copnall, will now be mounted on a wall at the Grade II-listed Horsham Museum.
“Although the portraiture of Christ in pain and suffering of the world was an image the artist felt relevant to the Christian message, the Church minister and congregation didn't want to show it,” reveals Jeremy Knight, Curator at Horsham Museum.
“For me the priority was to keep the figure, as the Copnall family have strong links with Horsham – we even have a street named after the family, as well as art works.”
The sculpture is also notable for using innovative textiles of the time, and will go on show in an archive building facing the museum’s popular walled garden after discussions with ecclesiastical figures and the Copnall family.
“Not only is it a stunning example of Edward’s ability and skill as a sculptor, but it also represents the cutting edge of materials, being made out of coal dust and resin,” added Knight.
Artist Angela Godfrey has been commissioned to design a new cross for the church, aiming to “present a positive message of hope on the outside of the church, rather than one of despair and suffering”.
