All Saints' Church in Pocklington has long been celebrated for its array of magnificent wood and stone sculptures, spanning several centuries. This week, the historic venue takes on a contemporary flair as local sculptor, Bill Merrington, presents an exhibition titled 'Icons of the 20th Century'.

In his professional life, Canon Dr Bill Merrington serves as chaplain at Pocklington School and has been an Anglican clergyman for over four decades. His varied roles include parish priest, university chaplain, prison chaplain and school chaplain. Alongside his clerical duties, Bill has cultivated his skills to become a distinguished sculptor and enjoys teaching sculpting in clay to Lower Sixth art students at Pocklington School.

Bill's journey into the world of art began in 1995 when he crafted a rocking horse for his children. This initial interest led to the creation of a series of remarkable sculptures, earning him both accolades and awards over the years.

As part of the Pocklington Open Day, which commenced on Saturday 7 September, Bill is showcasing a collection of his sculptures in both wood and clay. These works highlight influential figures of the 20th century. Describing his exhibition, Bill stated, "The pieces depict individuals who have had a profound impact on their communities, from spiritual and political leaders like Ghandi to cultural icons such as The Beatles to authoritative figures like Queen Elizabeth and those of compassion and deity, like Mother Theresa."

The exhibition features seven meticulously selected sculptures in clay and wood, each accompanied by iconic quotations. Among these, Bill has included a self-portrait bust completed in 2005. His latest project is a clay sculpture of Aung San Suu Kyi, the imprisoned Myanmar politician and author, which Bill began during the exhibition at All Saints' Church.

'Icons of the 20th Century' will be on display at All Saints' Church from 9.00am to 4.00pm daily until Monday 16 September, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience Bill's extraordinary artistic vision.

Banner image: Canon Dr Bill Merrington pictured in 2024 with the sculpture 'Bill Merrington in 2005'

Inset image: Canon Dr Bill Merrington, Chaplain, Pocklington School

Acknowledgement to OP Phil Gilbank (67-74) for kindly providing the original press release and banner image.