As we journey together: an exploration of Faith in Bradford

Kate Abbey was Artist in Residence at Bradford Cathedral from 2020 – 2022. Her work explores the multi-faith community unique to Bradford, asking the question ‘is it possible to photograph faith?’.

Having encountered initial restrictions of access due to lockdown, Abbey met members of the Cathedral’s congregation in parks, then gardens and then homes. As the residency progressed and the work deepened, the project expanded, exploring many different faiths as well as personal spirituality.

“It was always important to show each sitter’s home within the portraits; there is so much we can learn from their personal landscape. I want the viewer to recognise themselves in the images, as well as appreciate the differences. Although each sitter is alone, they are not isolated, whether it be with their God, with myself taking the shots or together with the other portraits in the exhibition.

As part of the portrait process, I interviewed the sitters to learn more about their specific religions and their personal journey; this created a deeper understanding between us. It allowed me an insight into their beliefs, and unexpectedly raised questions around my own spiritual journey and perception of faith.” Kate Abbey.

This exhibition appeared in Bradford Cathedral from June – August 2022, and you can continue to enjoy it here, with the accompanying audio. You can click on each photo to make it larger.

Thank you to all the ‘sitters’: Elaine de Villiers, Mike de Villiers, Hilary Greaves, David Worsley, Mohammed Iftikar, Catherine Warr, Bishop Toby Howarth, Dr. Manoj Joshi, Bhavna Joshi, Balu lad, Rajeshwari Lad, Katie Jones, Aisha Hussain, Marium Zumeer, Eeshar Singh, Narinder Singh, John Joyce, Lloyd Thompson, Indu Dharni, Ketan Dharni, Shakuntla Sharma, David Jackson, Teresa Jackson, Suzie Cree.