QUB Interns reflect on experiences in St Anne’s
Four interns sponsored by Queen’s University, Belfast, have carried out some very valuable research work in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.
Three were based in the Cathedral for a four week period. Eleanor Ford, an English student, created a series of leaflets to accompany various artefacts in St Anne’s, and history students Paddy McAlary and Andrew Poxon focused on the stonework, with Paddy looking in particular at the pillars, and Andrew at the West Front.
The fourth intern, music student, Rachel McCombe, is doing an Education internship which will continue for another two months.
Cathedral staff said farewell to Eleanor, Paddy and Andrew over a cup of coffee last week. The Dean of Belfast, the Very Revd John Mann, and intern co–ordinator the Revd Janice Elsdon thanked the interns for all their work.
Reflecting on their experiences, Eleanor, Paddy and Andrew said how much they had enjoyed their time in the Cathedral.
Paddy said: “The internship provided me with a unique opportunity to pursue historical research outside the confines of the university and this was one of its great attractions. The fact that the internship was based in a building that is both architecturally brilliant and historically relevant simply added to my desire to get the internship.
“The internship itself was both interesting and incredibly useful, it gave me a chance to observe the evolution of the Cathedral over a long period of time and the effects that various different architects and sculptors had on the creation of the pillars.
“The chance to engage in genuine research was an incredible opportunity, being granted access to the archives was an enlightening experience. It revealed interesting facets of the Cathedral’s history that added to the human character of the building.”
Eleanor researched a diverse range of topics, from the Coventry Cross of Nails on display in the ambulatory to the memorial books in the Military Chapel.
“It has been great to spend time studying some of the Cathedral’s most treasured items and to discover their respective histories,” she said. “I particularly enjoyed exploring the archives and learning more about the craftsmen and women who have contributed over time to the Cathedral.”
Eleanor added: “Overall the internship has been a fantastic opportunity to develop my research skills and produce printed materials that will be available to members of the public. I have had a great time working alongside the other interns at the Cathedral and we have enjoyed sharing our research with each other.”
In the future I hope to work in the arts and heritage sector. The Cathedral has been an inspiring space to gain some relevant experience and I have really enjoyed the month I have spent here.”
Andrew explained that part of his internship was to research the West Front, identifying the figures on the Central Portal and creating a guide for visitors and anyone with an interest in the rich symbolism around the Cathedral.
“The internship has afforded me opportunities which I may not have had otherwise: looking at archive material; developing précis skills; and meeting wonderful people,” Andrew said.
“Working in the Cathedral has been an amazing opportunity, from the beautiful works of art and architecture, to the music and history. It is a surreal experience leaving the offices at the rear of the church at the end of the day, and arriving in the heart of the Cathedral; certainly not an experience shared by very many, and an immense privilege.”
The materials produced by the interns will be published in a number of languages.
(Pictured above wth Dean John Mann are, from left: Eleanor Ford, Paddy McAlary, Andrew Poxon, Rachel McCombe, the Revd Janice Elsdon and the Revd Campbell Dixon)