A NEW sculpture that depicts Jesus and his 12 disciples as chairs is on display at Ely Cathedral. The work, entitled, The Twelve Disciples (lessons in standing up straight), is the result of a collaboration between artists Claire Spooner and Tony Yardley

A NEW sculpture that depicts Jesus and his 12 disciples as chairs is on display at Ely Cathedral.

The work, entitled, The Twelve Disciples (lessons in standing up straight), is the result of a collaboration between artists Claire Spooner and Tony Yardley and is on the third stop of a tour of cathedrals in England.

Ms Spooner said: "Each chair is a unique entity, designed around the character and family relationship of each disciple and, although the work is rooted in Christianity, the essence of the piece is one that promotes cohesion and dialogue between religions, as it deals with various issues that are fundamental to all faiths and spirituality; including what it is to be human."

Mr Yardley said: "The work is also an homage to the chair, an expression of gratitude and thanks for the role that this particular piece of furniture plays in the life of all people, it carries our weight and supports our tired bodies in much the same way as hope and meditation carry the soul forward and onward." The Twelve Disciples (lessons in standing up straight) is on display until February 25.