St Paul's to host Tyndale Art Competition for schools in 2026
St Paul's to host Tyndale Art Competition for schools in 2026
The Tyndale New Testament is one of the finest treasures in our collection. In appearance, this book is small and unassuming. Yet, the story behind it is one of revolution, conflict, and religious upheaval which represents a dramatic turning point not only for religion in England, but also for politics, culture, and the English language itself. Described as the most dangerous book in Tudor England and translated by a man who died for his convictions, its story is a remarkable one of survival, rebellion, and change.
2026 marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of Tyndale's New Testament, and at St Paul’s we’ll be exploring how this remarkable book shaped the history of our nation and what this means for us today.
For this schools’ project, the font Tyndale used will be at the heart of the creative challenge. We’d like students to look at this unique typography, learn more about its history, and discover why it became entwined with tales of smuggling, espionage and the eventual banning of Tyndale's New Testament itself.
Your students will be asked to reimagine Tyndale’s font for its 500-year anniversary, creating a contemporary twist with bold and unique lettering. We’re looking for work that is A0 to A4 in size and can be of any mixed media.
Want to find out more and get involved?
- It’s as simple as registering an expression of interest with our Learning Department by emailing learning@stpaulscathedral.org.uk by Monday 5th January 2026.
- The team will be in touch with each school and will send out everything you need to share this project with your students. This will include a teacher’s pack, which will include a full artist’s brief for students (different packs for different Key Stages and/or awarding bodies for Art and Design), teachers’ notes and guidance information, along with the opportunity to book a bespoke online welcome meeting for your class/classes with our Learning and Collections departments.
- The project can be offered in two forms:
o For use in lessons in school
o For students to develop their artistic response as a homework activity. - This is open to all UK schools with students aged 5 to 18 years and all homeschool students.
What will students get in return
- All students taking part will receive a submission certificate on receipt of their work.
- All artwork submitted will be shortlisted by a selection team and each submission will be judged as a whole class.
- Schools whose work is selected for exhibition will have the opportunity for their students’ artwork to be seen by up to a million visitors in the Cathedral.
- It will be displayed in the Cathedral between June 2026 and February 2027.
- All successful students will be given a free of charge VIP visit to the Cathedral at a date of the school’s choosing (subject to availability).
- All artwork will be returned to schools after the end of the exhibition.
