Art & History - The Piper Painting

St Matthew's Church

1956

H69 W54 cm

The Piper Painting of St Matthew's Church in Northampton, currently housed at the Northampton Museums & Art Gallery, is an evocative work by the British artist John Piper, created in 1956. Piper, known for his powerful depictions of architectural subjects, used a combination of oil and watercolor on paper for this painting. The artwork captures the church with a distinctive style that emphasises its structural and atmospheric qualities.

St Matthew's Church, built in the Gothic Revival style, has long been a subject of artistic interest due to its architectural significance and its connection to prominent British artists. The painting was donated to the museum by Walter Hussey, a former vicar of St Matthew's Church and a notable patron of the arts, who was instrumental in commissioning several significant works for the church, including this one.

The painting is part of a broader collection at the Northampton Museum that includes other works by renowned artists such as Henry Moore and Graham Sutherland, which also have connections to St Matthew's Church. This collection highlights the church's role as a cultural hub during the mid-20th century, under Hussey's leadership.

For more details, you can explore the museum's collection online or visit the Northampton Museums & Art Gallery, where this painting and other works related to St Matthew's Church are being displayed.

Information Quick Links

Madonna & Child

Discover Henry Moore's Madonna and Child, one of our adored possessions. Take me There

The Crucifixion

Discover Graham Sutherland's depiction of the Crucifixion of Christ. Take me There

St Matthew Sculpture

Discover Ian Rank-Broadley's bronze sculpture of St Matthew. Take me There

Stations of the Cross

Discover David Thomas' Stations of the Cross. Take me There

The Risen Christ

Discover the prominent Risen Christ by local artist Malcolm Pollard. Take me There

The Piper painting

Discover John Piper's painting of St Matthew's Church. Take me There

A Brief History

Read about the fascinating history of St Matthew's Church. Discover More

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