Diamond Celebration Exhibition
We are celebrating Guildford Cathedral’s 60th anniversary year since The People’s Cathedral was consecrated in 1961 through a free exhibition and a number of special events.
Come and learn more about the remarkable story of this modern Cathedral which whose completion was thwarted by the interwar years and limited funds. Designed by Sir Edward Maufe the Cathedral was only finished due to the determination and generosity of local people through the Buy a Brick fundraising campaign with over 200,000 ordinary people helping to find the money to complete what they thought of as “their Cathedral”. The Cathedral - The People's Cathedral - was consecrated on 17th May 1961 by Bishop George Reindorp in the presence of HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the Archbishop of Canterbury and a packed congregation from all parts of the diocese.
The exhibition will include a number of items that have never before been put on show such as original photographs showing the building of the Cathedral, memorabilia, and a variety of textiles including hand-made kneelers (including one commemorating the launch of the Soviet Sputnik satellite!), cushions, clergy vestments including the Bishop of Guildford’s cope worn for the consecration, stoles and the bishop’s mitre!