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Past Creative Projects

St James’s hosts a year-round cultural programme encompassing music, visual art and spoken word, drawing on a rich cultural history including Mary Beale, William Blake, Ottobah Cugoano and Haydn amongst many others.

Cugoano250 art commission and curated events

A new permanent artwork commemorating the 250th anniversary of the baptism of Quobna Ottobah Cugoano has been unveiled at St James’s Church, Piccadilly. Cugoano was one of the most prominent abolitionists of 18th century London and a significant but largely forgotten figure in Black British history.

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Thought for the Week – Seeing Cugoano

For Black History Month, Ekow Eshun, curator of Cugoano250, explores the life and legacy of Quobna Ottobah Cugoano, an abolitionist and former enslaved individual in the 18th century, shedding light on his
complex experiences as a Black person in London and how he used his writings to advocate for the abolition of slavery.

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Thought for the Week – Mary Beale: Pioneering Portraits

Associate Rector, Ayla Lepine talks about the life and times of the English portrait painter Mary Beale, one of the few professional women artists in 17th-century London.

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Listening to traces of history

Richard Parry, St James’s Creative Director, introduces the new free exhibition ‘Stories of St James’s Burial Ground’.

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Soul at Saint James Unity Podcast

On Sunday 2 October we celebrated Black History Month with Soul at Saint James.

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Aint no mountain high enough

Our monthly Gospel and Soul singing courtyard event is featuring on the BBC’s Songs of Praise this Sunday 9 October. Lucy talks about are relationship with the Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and why we created Soul at Saint James.

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Theatre as Holy Ground

Lindsay Meader explores the relationship between theatre and the numinous and the need for chaplaincy in an insecure industry.

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Four Fizzy Fridays

See in the weekend with music, DJs and a glass of fizz in St James’s Courtyard! Relax and unwind to smooth sounds, or warm up your night out in London town – it’s a jazz journey through traditional jazz, funky jazz, acid jazz and global beats.

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Imploded, burned, turned to ash

To coincide with Refugee Week 20-26 June, St James’s Church is exhibiting a video and installation by Syrian-born artist Issam Koubaj, documenting a performance he undertook in 2021 marking the tenth anniversary of the Syrian Uprising.

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Royal Academy of Arts Varnishing Day

Every year St James’s takes a central role in the launch of the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition. As part of its ‘Varnishing Day’ celebrations artists and members of the Academy process from the RA to the church led by a steel band and representatives of St James’s. Creative Director Richard Parry reflects on the history and resonance of this fascinating and unique tradition that plays a prominent role in both institutions’ calendars.

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Soho Service feat. Revd Dr Ayla Lepine

Samuel Isaac, host of Soho Service at Soho Radio, is joined by Revd Dr Ayla Lepine as she takes us through three of her favourite pieces of art and music and discusses the importance of art in our national conversation.

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What makes a building sacred?

Ayla Lepine features on Soul Search with Dr Meredith Lake, in a podcast recorded for ABC (Australia’s BBC) about sacred spaces.

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Barbara

Cabaret: A night with Barbara & friends

Last Saturday night we saw wonderful talent displayed by members of the church and our singing scholars, all hosted by Barbara and facilitated by Circus Spirit.

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Soul at Saint James – Meet the Choir ‘Rachel’

Soul at St James – Watch the second interview in a short series letting you get to know some of our fabulous Choir members!

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peace in three colours

Thomas A. Clark
peace in three colours
26 April – 15 May
St. James’s Church, Piccadilly

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Bridgerton. Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in episode 206 of Bridgerton. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022

Behind the Scenes at Bridgerton

Lucy Winkett talks about the Netflix blockbuster Bridgerton and how for a few days St James’s was at the centre of the storyline.

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