Fury as Historic UK Cathedral Covered in Graffiti

A new graffiti exhibition at Canterbury Cathedral has been described as 'sacrilegious' with one saying it makes the historic church look like 'an underground car park in Peckham.'

The art installation 'Hear Us' allows people to pose questions to God, and they are then plastered on pillars, walls and floors around the ancient building in Kent.

And while some have reported their intrigue, many worshippers have taken offence at encountering the artworks.

One said the work was 'sacrilegious' while another said it was more suited to a south London car park.

Others asked, 'who will rid me of these troublesome graphics?' and 'how do people not tire of the cringe?'.

'This is awful. Canterbury Cathedral, what are you doing?,' another asked.

While someone else said: 'Not the kind of "art" I'd expect in an ancient gothic cathedral.'

'Why not have this on a canvas?,' another questioned.

'Whoever approved this genuinely can’t have thought people wouldn’t be annoyed and disgusted by its presentation…surely?'

The temporary graffiti-style imagery has also been added alongside the cathedral's historic graffiti, which includes ancient makers marks dating back hundreds of years.

The installation features answers responding to the question 'What would you ask God?' in graffiti-style lettering which has now been fixed to the cathedral's stone pillars, walls and floors.

Some of the answers included 'Are you there?' and 'Why did you create hate when love is by far more powerful?'.

Others posed were 'Does everything have a soul?' and 'Do you regret your creation?'.

Organisers hope the striking contrast between the ancient architecture and the contemporary messaging will help spark conversations around the questions.

'There is a rawness which is magnified by the graffiti style which is disruptive,' said David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury, who has recognised the potential for Hear Us to divide opinion.

'There is also an authenticity in what is said because it is unfiltered and not tidied up or sanitised.

'Above all, this graffiti makes me wonder why I am not always able to be as candid, not least in my prayers.

'This exhibition intentionally builds bridges between cultures, styles and genres and in particular allows us to receive the gifts of younger people who have much to say and from whom we need to hear much.'

The piece is the work of poet Alex Vellis and curator Jacquiline Creswell's collaboration with marginalised communities and a team of skilled artists.

Speaking about the collaborative work, poet Mr Vellis added: 'This project, at its core, is about community, using your voice, and change.

'Language is the people who speak it, and graffiti is the language of the unheard.

'By temporarily graffitiing the inside of Canterbury Cathedral, we join a chorus of the forgotten, the lost, and the wondrous.

'People who wanted to make their mark, to say 'I was here', and to have their etchings carry their voice through the centuries.'

Curator Ms Creswell said: 'Surely we have all wondered about the mysteries of the universe, the meaning of life, or in times of uncertainty, sought advice?

'Within a theological context, posing a question to God is viewed as a form of prayer, meditation, or contemplation, in return receiving guidance and solace from a source believed to be all-knowing and compassionate.

'By reaching out to the Divine with personal inquiries, individuals may find comfort, clarity, and direction amidst life's uncertainties.'

Hear Us officially opens on Friday, October 17 and runs until January 18, 2026.