A North East museum has added a striking new artwork to its permanent collection.
The Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland has acquired Joyful Assembly, a vibrant glass sculpture by contemporary artist Rachael Woodman.
The installation, originally displayed during the museum’s inaugural 2023 exhibition, quickly became a highlight for visitors to the contemporary gallery.
Comprising 35 hand-blown glass forms in shimmering turquoise, blue and green, Joyful Assembly was inspired by a passage from the book of Hebrews.
The piece evokes a vivid, spiritual expression of worship and community, reflecting both artistry and faith.
Created in 2020 in collaboration with glassmakers including Neil Wilkin, the work toured the UK, appearing at Ruthin Craft Centre in North Wales before touring to the National Glass Centre in Sunderland and the Harley Gallery in Nottinghamshire.
Rachael said: “I’ve been a glassmaker for over forty years.
“In that time, I’ve learned so much about working with the material and I’m still learning about this beautiful medium and the potential it has as a vehicle for storytelling.
“Joyful Assembly is about wonder and worship; it draws on a lifetime of working with glass, its movement, its ability to hold and reflect colour and light, and channels that into something joyful and deeply rooted in my Christian faith.
“Each element is unique.
“Some are strong and upright, others more yielding.
“Together, they reflect a collective journey into the presence of God – a joyful assembly in every sense.
“It feels very apt that its permanent home is now the Faith Museum, a space dedicated to exploring belief in all its forms.”
Designed by Níall McLaughlin, the Faith Museum opened in October 2023 as part of The Auckland Project.
Its architecture has been widely recognised, including RIBA acclaim and the 2024 Building Beauty Awards ‘Grand Winner’ accolade.
The museum explores the impact of faith on British society over 6000 years, displaying more than 250 objects ranging from rarely seen historical items to contemporary commissions.
The addition of Joyful Assembly strengthens the museum’s commitment to showcasing contemporary interpretations of faith, offering visitors a vibrant, modern lens on spirituality and community.
Clare Baron, head of exhibitions at The Auckland Project, added: “Joyful Assembly exemplifies our commitment to showcasing contemporary responses to, and expressions of, faith.
“Rachael’s work resonates visually, emotionally and spiritually and we are thrilled to make it a permanent part of our collection.”
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