2 May – 25 July 2025
St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN

View the exhibition and hear Max speak about his work at ‘Unveiled’, the arts & performance evening at St Andrew’s Wickford, Friday 2 May, 7.00 pm.

St Andrew’s is usually open: Sat 9am-12.30pm; Sun 9.30am-12 noon; Mon 2-3.45pm; Tue 1-4.30pm; Wed 10am-12 noon; Fri 10am-1pm.

https://wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/whats-on.html

“Adventures in Joy” presents the most recent work produced by artist and cleric Max Blake. It includes some of the work he has developed though his studies of Icons, as well as his experiments in a more abstract and surreal direction. Max explores his own deep imagination, which is fed by his wide knowledge of religion and reflections amongst other things.

As a man of faith, much of his work expresses an exploration of the Christian faith. Over recent years, Max has studied Byzantine and Coptic Iconography and he has used this study to develop his own interpretations of the icon. Much of Max’s work is highly detailed and the viewer can find many hidden details, people, faces and shapes in his work. This creates a joyful adventure for the eye through bright and vivid worlds. Max uses a range of media including oil paints, inks and coloured pencils.

Max Blake was born in East London in the early 50s and then grew up in Basildon. After graduating as a teacher, Max taught art in secondary schools across south Essex. He also worked with children with anxiety and children with special needs. He was ordained deacon followed by priesting in the early 2000s. Although he is now retired, Max still works as a retired priest with Permission to Officiate in the United Benefice of Horndon, Orsett and Bulphan.

As well as artwork Max has also illustrated book covers and books for children. He continues to exhibit his vibrant work in various locations, including the Well House Gallery in Horndon on the Hill and St Catherine’s Church in East Tilbury.

https://www.wellhousegallery.co.uk/art/max-blake

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Ken Porter, author, historian & Chair of Basildon Heritage, talks about blue plaques in Basildon borough

Friday 9 May, 7.00 pm
St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN

Part of ‘Unveiled’, the Friday night arts and performance evening at St Andrew’s Wickford

A wide range of handmade crafts from a variety of different stalls.
Refreshments also available.
Saturday 17 May 2025
10.00 am – 3.00 pm
St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford SS12 0AN

The "Allegro choir" in Essex is to perform a summer concert series with a theme of singing the alphabet, with concerts scheduled at various churches in the area, including St Andrew's Wickford.

Tickets - £10; Children - free. Telephone: 01268 751303.
For further information email [email protected] or visit their Facebook page.