The world-famous The Light of the World painting (William Holman Hunt, 1900-1904) will be unveiled at St Paul’s Cathedral today, having undergone vital restoration work by a dedicated team of conservators since July this year.
Having previously been at home in the north transept chapel, The Light of the World will now be placed on the south nave aisle, after conditioning and repair works to both the painting and its frame.
Holman Hunt completed the painting, known as a “sermon in a frame”, in 1904. Its extraordinary gilded frame was then crafted by Hilda Hewlett and her co-creator, Miss Smith.
After the industrialist Charles Booth purchased the piece from Holman Hunt, he donated it to St Paul’s. However, before its arrival at the Cathedral, Booth sent the painting on a coordinated world-tour. Starting in Canada and ending in New Zealand, it was viewed by millions around the globe.
The artwork is now one of the most viewed pieces of 20th century art in the world, and is one of the most well-known pieces of art emerging from the Pre-Raphaelite movement.
It is not the first time that The Light of the World has undergone restoration work, a delicate process requiring extreme care. The artwork has been designated by the Cathedral’s Fabric Commission as a painting of outstanding significance.
The conservation of The Light of the World was made possible thanks to the generous support of The Worshipful Company of Art Scholars, Bank of America, Charles Hayward Foundation and The Steel Charitable Trust.
Simon Carter, Head of Collections at St Paul’s Cathedral, said:
“After many months of careful and diligent work by the conservation team, it’s wonderful to see The Light of the World unveiled in the Cathedral today.
“Holman Hunt’s work is one of the most significant paintings in St Paul’s collections – it is vital that such work takes place, so that extraordinary artwork can be preserved for posterity. We’re grateful for the support of our generous partners so that this process could take place.”
