An awe-inspiring art installation is now open at Rochester Cathedral. Whales depicts three majestic sperm whales which will be suspended in the Nave. The thought-provoking and award-winning artwork is by artist Tessa Campbell Fraser and is presented in partnership with MESSUMS ORG.

**Whales is at Rochester Cathedral from the 10th February until the 7th march** Copyright Steve Hartridge

“The cathedral is a place that inspires worship in the God who created this world. Our prayer is for Whales to remind us that this world is a blue planet to be treasured, loved and respected.”

— Canon Dr Ruth Valerio

Whales invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of whales and to reflect on humanity’s increasing ecological impact on the global climate. The installation recently won first prize in the AHI Engaging People Award for its powerful approach to engaging audiences with the climate emergency. It was created using recycled ghost netting, silk chiffon and latex.

Artist, Tessa Campbell Fraser writes:

“In sculpting the whales as I have – transparently, using ghost netting – I want to convey the need for mankind to realise that these magnificent mammals will not exist in our world if we don't act now to reduce catastrophic global warming and plastic pollution in our oceans. Rising sea temperatures will disrupt the entire ecological balance and alongside, plastic pollution cause these great emblematic creatures to become mere ghosts to us, transparent in the extreme"

The installation is the latest in Rochester Cathedral’s exciting programme of large-scale artworks and follows the success of Luke Jerram’s Mars and the Short Scion Floatplane which attracted record audiences in 2025.

“ We are truly excited about this dramatic installation in the Cathedral which we hope will provoke a position response to how we care for our planet and its biodiversity’”

— Dean of Rochester, The Very Rev’d Dr Philip Hesketh AKC DL

Accompanying Whales is a programme of sea-inspired events and activities. These include concerts and family activities. Highlights include the return of the BBC Big Band, an evening of Sea Shanties and our Whales After Dark events. Limited tickets remain and are exclusively available via the Rochester Cathedral website.

Whales will be free of charge to see during the day, although charges apply for groups, schools and special events. On selected evenings visitors will be able to experience the artwork in a new light after dark.

Rochester Cathedral would like to thank Chatham Maritime Trust for supporting this exhibition.