A NEW triptych will be on display in the Chapel of Prayer in Worcester Cathedral during June and July.

The painting by Malvern artist Nigel Groom is a single work on three large panels which will be hung as an altar piece.

Nigel said: “My painting of the Hymn of the Universe, completed this year, comprises three panels in acrylic, acrylic ink and gold leaf to depict a theme dear to my heart, that of the birth of the universe and the wonder of creation. "Recent research in astrophysics and cosmology on the genesis of the universe, and its formation out of dark matter, has caused much excitement amongst cosmologists and physicists.

"As an artist who ponders the nature of existence and belief and who also values the insights and advances of scientific research I am inspired by these awesome discoveries.

"I am most grateful to the Dean and Chapter for providing the opportunity for this work to be displayed in the Chapel of Prayer at Worcester Cathedral.”

Nigel Groom was formerly a printer, an Augustinian friar, a teacher and a psychotherapist and counsellor.

Now retired, he accompanies people on their life journeys as a spiritual director, and works as an artist at his home in Malvern.

He is a member of Christian Arts and The Society of Catholic Artists.

The Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, Dean of Worcester said: “It is good to welcome Nigel back to the Cathedral for the display of his new painting The Hymn of the Universe.

"It will hang beneath the window which depicts the great hymns of the Church’s liturgy: the Benedictus, the Magnificat, the Nunc Dimittis, which are sung daily at morning and evening prayer."