A unique exhibition featuring candid photographs of church members was on display in St Andrew’s Church, Cheddar. The project is the work of Eleanor Motion, who is one of Bath and Wells Young Adult Representatives on General Synod. Eleanor is also a photography student, she designed, created and took all the photos. Installed within the sanctuary of St Nectan’s Chapel, One Body, One Tree, One Life reimagined the cross as the root of a four-foot Somerset cider apple tree, transforming an ancient symbol of sacrifice into a vibrant, flourishing Tree of Life.
The collaborative installation acts as a living testament to the resurrection, physically manifesting the interconnectedness of the parish through the collective contributions of its people. Eleanor explains that her idea grew from a simple concept, but says it was the people who took part that really made the project come to life, “It’s surreal to look at this 3D tree and remember that it started as a rough sketch in my notebook during a lecture. Seeing it grow from a flat drawing into this physical space has been incredibly rewarding, but the real heart of it is the people who helped me build it.
“I’ve loved watching people find their portraits and hearing them whisper, 'That’s exactly her,' or, 'You caught his real smile.' Those direct reactions—that moment of recognition—were exactly what I was hoping for. But I never expected the collaboration to go this far.”
The tree’s expansive canopy is adorned with a diverse collection of artwork and documentation. Church members are captured in the photographs which reflect the vibrancy of church life, while students from The Kings of Wessex Academy and Fairlands Middle School have created leaf designs made during art workshops. And residents from local care homes made portraits in the shape of apples, which were added to the tree and nestled amongst the foliage.
Eleanor says of the exhibition, “By weaving together the artistry of the young, the wisdom of the elders, and the shared experiences of the congregation, this installation unites the parish in a single, breathing work of art that witnesses the themes of rebirth, regrowth, and the enduring unity of faith.”
Involving the different generations was central to Eleanor’s work and reflects the vibrancy of the church and the local community. “Getting the local schools involved brought an emotional depth I couldn't have planned for; the response was overwhelming. Now, the tree is covered in hundreds of unique leaves, each one a tiny window into a child's mind. I may have built the branches, but the community brought the spirit, and seeing everyone come together to create this is what I’m proudest of."
The exhibition was visited by many of those who took part, as well as people from the local community and local MP, Tessa Munt also popped in to see the project too.