Cantaria was commissioned by Morpeth County Council for the re-opening of the Morpeth Chantry after severe flood damage from September 2008 storms.

Morpeth Chantry was built in the 13th Century and served both as a chapel dedicated to All Saints and as a Toll House for the river crossing. The duties of the appointed chaplain also included those of schoolmaster. It was later to become the home of King Edward VI School, a hospital and a water bottling plant. Throughout it’s varied history however it has always served the people of Morpeth and continues to do so as it now houses the Morpeth Bagpipe Museum and Tourist Information Centre.

Cantaria takes the form of a reflection of a stained glass window projected on to the floor. As you walk through the reflection you reveal images of stained glass panels linked by intertwining branches, showing scenes of medieval life that reflect the many uses of The Chantry. Simultaneously Cantaria begins to sing by playing sounds of the Northumbrian pipes. The pipe sounds rise and fall creating a hypnotic soundscape that encourages a physical response. This is broken occasionally by the haunting tone of the original Chantry bell that once rang from the bell tower directly above. Cantaria is a permanent installation situated in the Morpeth Bagpipe Museum.

Thanks to

Kathryn Tickell who generously provided the Northumbrian pipe sounds recorded at her home in Northumberland.

King Edward VI School for allowing us access to record the Chantry bell in its current home at a quiet time.

Mrs Frances Major, Parish Administrator for allowing us access to The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin to photograph Tree of Jesse Window and a special thanks to Mr Major for opening up the church and providing us with amusing and informative anecdotes about the window and the church.