Wells Cathedral
Verity Standen: Artist-in-Residence 2026
Across 2026, Verity is working in residence at Wells Cathedral - the first time the historic space has hosted an artist in this way.
The year began with Verity visiting 10 different community choirs around the Wells region of Somerset. For each group, she composed an original song built from lyrics the choirs developed during workshops.
In March, Verity gathered singers from HOWL to explore the atmospheric spaces of the Cathedral through song and to record a series of short films.
In May, the stunning Lady Chapel - complete with 14th Century stained glass - will host Verity’s new show, Everything Slips.
Later in the year, Verity will begin plans for a large-scale community performance in the Cathedral - due to take place in 2027.
Matins
As part of the restoration of Vicars’ Close (home to singers from the Cathedral’s choir, and the oldest street in Europe still used for the same function), a treasure trove of amazing artefacts have been uncovered. Amongst the archive, old musical manuscripts were found - complete with scorch marks from surviving the reformation. Verity has ‘re-composed’ two of these pieces (Matins - originally prayer songs performed early in the morning), taking musical phrases and building upon them to make new songs.
Choirs:
Cheddar Valley, Joyful Voices, Winscombe Community, Octagon Yeovil, Wessex Women, Key Voices, Songways, Ston Easton, Brue Boys.
Photography & Film:
Paul Blakemore.
HOWL Singers:
Elly Condron, Kate Huggett, Lydia Samuels, Rosalie Warner, Rose Stachniewska.
Thanks
Verity’s work at Wells Cathedral is supported as part of the Vicars’ Close project by Heritage Lottery Fund. Everything Slips is supported by Arts Council England.