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Beneath the east wall of the south side of the Chapel of Nine Altars is 'Christ in the Tomb’, carved by Fenwick Lawson in 1985.

This sculpture was carved from an elm tree, given to Lawson when he was invited to take up a residency in Swansea. It is a horizontal figure of Christ entombed, carved mainly with a chainsaw. The rough cuts of the chainsaw echo the brutality of Jesus’ death.

When dealing with death, Lawson always has an interest in the idea of life after death. Because of this, he cast the head and hands of Jesus in bronze. When the metal is polished, it suggests ideas of resurrection.

Follow the guided tour

You’re in: The Chapel of the Nine Altars You’re at: Christ in the Tomb Sculpture Next stop: St Margaret Painting

  • Look to the left of Christ in the Tomb towards a large framed artwork
  • This is a drawing of St Margaret