Unprecedented Exhibit in UK marks Pope Benedict’s visit

(Sept.07,2010) An unprecedented exhibit has been set up to mark Pope Benedict XVI’s upcoming visit to the United Kingdom. Four of the tapestries, which Italian artist Raphael designed for the Sistine Chapel, will go on display this week alongside the drawings, that were the models for the weavings. The Victoria and Albert Museum, V&A, announced the display, to begin Wednesday and run through mid-October. The drawings for the tapestries have been on display at the V&A Museum since 1865, but this will be the first time that the drawings and tapestries have been displayed together -- something Raphael himself never witnessed. The tapestries were commissioned in 1515. Raphael was asked to make drawings of Sts. Peter and Paul to complete the Sistine Chapel but in a medium quite unlike Michelangelo's. The drawings are the same size as the final project, more than 11 feet by 17 feet, and are mirror images of the tapestries.
Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster said "When Pope Benedict comes next week, my hope is that people will listen to what he has to say. But I hope that they will also be open to experiencing the creative imagination of a living faith." Pope Benedict is scheduled to visit Scotland and England from 16- 19 September.