The Five Sisters

As part of an Artist Residency with York Minster in 2025, the story of The Five Sisters Window is a central element and a starting point for this photographic series, capturing a selection of inspirational present day women who contribute to the life of York Minster, ranging from its police force and musicians to stonemasons and conservators. This commissioned photographic project commemorates the 100th anniversary of the rededication of the Five Sisters Window, as part of the programme Visions, Voices, Vocations, Celebrating Women in York Minster and is currently exhibited at the Cathedral’s Chapter House. The exhibition features high-definition screens that display the specially commissioned photographs, running until 16 November 2025: York Minster Exhibition Information. Below are a selection of images from the project.

Abbie, Glazier, York Glazier’s Trust (detail)

Abbie, Glazier, York Glazier’s Trust

Bev and Debbie, York Minster Police

Gwynne, Chaplain

Julian of Norwich inspired story about a simple hazelnut

Emily, Vicar Choral

Harriet, Experienced Stonemason, York Minster

Harriet, Experienced Stonemason with Bracken the ‘K9 Mason’

Harriet, Experienced Stonemason with Bracken the ‘K9 Mason’

Eleanor, Bishop of Hull

Abbie, Glazier, York Glazier’s Trust

Paddington and York Minster Police

Bev and Debbie, York Minster Police

Ice Cream, York Minster Police

Harriet, Experienced Stonemason, York Minster

Abbie, Glazier, York Glazier’s Trust

Kirsty, Curator (detail)

Kirsty works at the Minster’s Old Palace Library. This is where York Minster keep many of the 300,000 artefacts in their care. This reliquary is one example of such an artefact. It may have belonged to St William of York nearly 900 years ago.


Article published in The Royal Photographic Society's WE ARE Magazine, September 2025 edition. To read the full article click here and scroll to pages 198 - 209