St Jude on the Hill in Edmonton Area hosted a highly creative Labyrinth this summer.
Waller’s Labyrinth is a visually impactful artwork that combines hundreds of second-hand toy cars, gold mirror tiles, and playful creativity. Aiming to reflect the nostalgic design and atmosphere of St Jude’s, it invited visitors to experience it physically as well as in prayer and discernment.
Waller’s Labyrinth comments on the challenges of the Church of England, including the stewardship of creation (having set a target to become carbon neutral by 2030), and reimagines the tradition of a labyrinth to create a metaphorical path to unity.
The Revd Emily Kolltveit, Priest in Charge at St Jude on the Hill, said:
‘David’s Labyrinth has attracted a diverse group of visitors, many of whom are new to the Anglican faith. The Labyrinth gives people a chance to take a breath, unravel a problem and return to life with a fresh viewpoint.
Any opportunity to pray in a new way is a gift and the Labyrinth encourages people to reflect on some of the major issues that face humanity at this time. It’s a new tool for discernment which helps people to meet with God in a safe and creative way.’
Previously, the artist, David, and his twin, John, a retired train driver, have created various installations using the ‘colour pallet’ of toy cars. The collection of cars – now nearing 10,000 – required over a decade to assemble, affirming the brothers’ determination and obsession to see them amassed.
The blueprint for Waller’s installations was John’s Cars, Cars Everywhere, a collage using 1980’s magazine car ads and logos reflecting the demand for, and ever-increasing pollutive, population of cars on the planet.
David T Waller graduated with a BA (Honours) in Fine Art – Sculpture. His experimental style combines many differing influences and techniques. Initially inspired by the figure, David’s artwork has become deeply reflective towards his past upbringing and interests. His new work will be shown at The Original Gallery, Crouch End Library, London N8 during September-October 2025.
St Jude on the Hill was designed by Edwin Lutyens to be the centre piece of Hampstead Garden Suburb – a model community where all classes of people would live together in beautiful surroundings and social harmony.
If your church is interested in hosting the Labyrinth, please contact the Revd Emily Kolltveit: priest@stjudeonthehill.com.