Crucible draws in the Crowds to Gloucester

9th October 2010

Gloucester Cathedral is experiencing record-breaking numbers of visitors
as a result of the 'Crucible' exhibition, the Cathedral management
announced today.

At the half-way point of the exhibition, visitor numbers are staying
buoyant, due to word-of-mouth and many people coming back for a second
or third visit.

"Compared to September last year, visitor figures are up 68%" commented
Chapter Steward Mark Beckett, "and those visitors have been more
generous, with donations for the same period up around 125%. We are
extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed so generously towards
the substantial costs of this exhibition."

The Cathedral office has received letters, emails and phone calls
praising the exhibition, while feedback in the visitors' book is
overwhelmingly positive.

The exhibition has been a particular hit with young people, from
toddlers to teenagers, while the Cathedral's two Education Officers are
working double shifts to cope with over one hundred schools who have
booked special tours.

"We are especially pleased that many Gloucester residents have come
inside the Cathedral for the first time in their lives," said Canon
Celia Thomson, director of the Welcome ministry. "They have told us that
they have been amazed at the Cathedral as much as the exhibition and
will be coming back."

Staff in the Cathedral Gift Shop and Coffee Shop have been working flat
out to cope with the demand and have had to draft in extra members,
particularly at weekends. During the run of 'Crucible', the Coffee Shop
will extend its opening hours on Sundays to 4pm. "It's amazing," said
Coffee Shop Manager Mandy Neufeld "and it's nice to hear the buzz from
the visitors about the exhibition."

Marketing Gloucester is working with the Cathedral to survey visitors to
'Crucible' and calculate the economic benefit to the city as a result of
the exhibition.

Gloucester Tourist Information Centre also reported an increase in their
visitor figures this month compared to last September. "We are getting
some fantastic comments from visitors about the Crucible exhibition"
said TIC Manager Lucy Wright.

More information about 'Crucible'

The Cathedral and its precincts have been filled with 76 works of art by
48 sculptors - many of whom are internationally famous artists. The
exhibition is in effect a who's who of contemporary British sculpture -
from the "New Bronze Age" sculptors of the 1950s to current household
names like Damien Hirst and Antony Gormley.

'Crucible' runs from 1st September - 30th October 2010.

The exhibition takes place throughout the building and grounds,
including the crypt and cloisters.

Exhibition opening times are:

Monday to Friday    9.15am-5.15pm

Saturday                 9.00am-4.15pm

Sunday                   11.45am-2.45pm and 4.00pm-6.00pm

Access to the exhibition may be restricted on certain days due to
services and other major events. For these see the Closures Diary on the
Gloucester Cathedral website. Entry to the exhibition is free of charge,
but donations towards the exhibition costs and the upkeep of the
Cathedral are requested from visitors.

'Crucible' is a joint venture between Gallery Pangolin and Gloucester
Cathedral. Most of the works were made in Gloucestershire, by the
talented craftsmen working at Pangolin Editions foundry in the Stroud
valleys, or by artists from Gloucester Cathedral.

'Crucible' is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council
England.