Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon
Commemorating 900 years of Textus Roffensis
1st June - 21st september
Discover more about textus roffensis
Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon has been inspired by illuminated artwork found within the pages of Textus Roffensis. The dragon will take flight at the Cathedral from June 1st to September 21st.
Draco Roffensis has been designed by celebrated artist Wendy Daws. Made of gold, silver and copper foil sewn onto wire panels, it will be suspended above the Nave allowing services and events to continue underneath. The underbelly of the dragon will be made from recycled materials from ‘Tape’ a recent exhibition at Chatham Dockyard by Numen/For Use. Quotes from Textus Roffensis will be written on the tape allowing visitors to discover more about early Medieval England. The dragon will be covered in thousands of embossed golden scales.
The embossed foil scales will be decorated by visitors to Rochester Cathedral as well as local community, art and school groups. Artists from the Kent Association for the Blind will also be very involved in the project.
At set times from the 4th May until the 30th May visitors will be able to emboss the scales with decorative patterns creating a stunning final effect. Textus Roffensis was written by monks from Rochester so it is only fitting that Draco Roffensis should also be created by the people of Rochester.
“I am truly honoured to receive this commission to celebrate Draco Roffensis and delighted for the opportunity to create an artwork for Rochester Cathedral to mark this special occasion. I’m excited to work together with so many different communities, to help create the embossed foil scales, an integral part of the design that will bring the dragon sculpture alive!”
Alongside Draco Roffensis will be a programme of events celebrating Textus Roffensis. Full details of the programme will be announced later in the year but will include family activities and lectures. Textus 900 will culminate in the premiere of a new lightshow by Luxmuralis inspired by manuscripts, illustrations and the culture from dark ages through early Middle Ages.
Textus Roffensis is one of the most important Medieval manuscripts in England. It was written in Rochester in the 1120s by monks at the Priory of St Andrews. Amongst its contents are the earliest English laws recorded dating all the way back to the 7th century. In 2022 Textus Roffensis was added to the prestigious UNESCO Memory of the World UK Register.
Draco Roffensis Events
We’re holding events throughout the Summer and Autumn celebrating the world of Textus Roffensis.
Workshops
Before Draco Roffensis takes flight at Rochester Cathedral we need your help creating his scales. Find out how to get involved.
Music and Performances
Family Activities
Adult Learning
About the Artist
Wendy Daws is an artist and sculptor whose work takes inspiration from the visually impaired communities she has worked with over the last 20 years. Wendy creates tactile sculptures, 'shadow play' and site responsive installations.
Much of Wendy's work is collaborative and driven by an inclusivity agenda. This is reflected in her own practice and the art of creation through involvement and collaboration with others. Wendy believes that disability is not an impairment to imagination and that artistic practice can be accessed by everyone regardless of age, ability or background. Wendy works closely with Kent Association for the Blind as a volunteer. She has developed a creative programme of activities and runs regular art group sessions for the charity. Wendy established MESS ROOM CIC as a space for the inclusivity, access and belonging she demonstrates in her own practice. MESS ROOM CIC has recently received an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant supporting elements of this commission.
