Photos (c) Paul Quezada-Neiman
The Wren300 programme was launched with an event at Guildhall Art Gallery, London last night.
2023 marks the 300th anniversary of the death of Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) – mathematician, astronomer, physicist, anatomist and one of the United Kingdom’s greatest architects.
The Wren 300 festival will celebrate his achievements with a year-long education and conservation programme for children and adults.
Wren 300: The Square Mile Churches will highlight Wren’s impact, focusing primarily on the City churches and St Paul’s Cathedral. With projects including school pupils building a replica of the dome of St Paul’s, and a ‘Wrenathon’ of choirs across The City of London, the Wren300 Square Mile Churches programme offers a range of opportunities to explore the work of Sir Christopher Wren through conservation, heritage, and musical activities.
The programme is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Royal Academy of Engineering, The Linbury Trust, the London Fire Brigade Museum and the City Churches.
Last night’s reception marked the programme’s launch and celebrated the City’s links to Wren. Speakers included the Lord Mayor of the City of London, the Bishop of London and the Chair of Historic England. There was also a performance by the Square Mile Choral Scholars.
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons said: “Sir Christopher Wren arguably did more than any other person to shape the City’s skyline. The stunning buildings he left us continue to inspire and enthral people who live in, work in and visit the City.
“The City Corporation is delighted to support this programme, which will help a new generation to learn about Wren’s legacy and foster in 21st century Londoners a connection to and sense of pride in the City.”
Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, added “With projects which will involve heritage, education, music and conservation activities across the capital, Wren 300 is about inspiring new generations to engage in Sir Christopher Wren’s life and work and their relationship with the Christian Faith. We are indebted to Wren for the extraordinary legacy of his church buildings. To this day, they continue to support people across London, whether as places for Christians to worship and to serve local community needs, as well as for people of all faiths and none to come together.”
To find out more about Wren300 please visit: squaremilechurches.co.uk/wren-300/