A powerful exhibition of contemporary sacred art will be back on display in Dorset this spring.
The Bridport Stations of the Cross Collection features a striking series of paintings that were commissioned from the Bridport Arts Society in 2016. The exhibition, which will be on show at West Bay’s St John’s Church, reimagines the traditional Stations of the Cross within a Bridport context, blending modern settings and familiar local landmarks with the timeless story of Christ’s journey to the Cross. A special Resurrection Station will also be unveiled after the East Pier Churches Together Dawn Service on Easter Sunday.
The collection returns to West Bay during Holy Week as a Churches Together exhibition, offering residents and visitors a space for reflection, prayer and community connection. A special Good Friday Stations Service will be led jointly by Revd Peter Clark, a local United Reformed Church minister, and Revd Cally Burch, Interim Rector for the parish of Bridport, reflecting the deep partnership between local churches and the wider community.
The exhibition also honours the vision of the late Revd Philip Ringer, a dedicated minster for over thirty years, who died peacefully on Saturday 21 March 2026. Revd Ringer originally commissioned the works for Churches Together and was passionate about strengthening faith, community ties and the care of St John’s Church.
“Set beside West Bay’s dramatic seascape and historic harbour, St John’s stands as a church at the very heart of the community,” said Revd Cally Burch. “As the area’s only active faith space, it plays a vital role in witnessing to God – preserving local heritage while offering hospitality, reflection and spiritual connection for residents and visitors alike. Through this exhibition, we are inviting residents and visitors to step inside this historic building, encounter the story of Jesus afresh in a local setting and find space for quiet reflection and prayer. Whether people come with faith or simply with curiosity, all will be very welcome. In honouring Revd Philip’s passion for this church and its place in the community, we hope to share something that lies at the heart of it all – the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus and what that story means for each of us.”
The exhibition also provides an opportunity to support essential restoration and improvement projects at the church. Priorities include repairs to the vestry, restoration of the church clock and wider preservation work as the historic building faces the challenges of weather and environment.
With the onset of spring bringing more visitors to West Bay, the parish hopes the exhibition will generate vital footfall and help secure the church’s future as a welcoming space for all.
Admission to the exhibition is free and all are warmly welcomed.