About

Nabil Ali has produced a new collection of landscape paintings depicting the Bradwell coastline as part of an arts residency supported by Essex Cultural Diversity Project, Cultural Engine and Arts Council England.

He has made his own paint utilising natural materials found on the beach, processed into pigment, and then mixed with tree resin. He collected London clay, chalk, and 3rd-century Roman red bricks from the sea – galls from oak trees to produce a black from a 14th-century ink recipe and introduced red ochre earth pigment, historically used to colour boat sails since antiquity.

This simple collection expresses an area along Bradwell-on-Sea coastal circular walk showing viewpoints of the environment and nature from farmer’s fields to seascapes, with a hidden darkness which shadows the area that could lead to a permanent change to the landscape.

The painting are hung in the ancient Saxon chapel which is the oldest church in England. Built by St Cedd in 654AD, it is one of the most restful and spiritual buildings in the country, a place to bring you peace and tranquillity. The old Saxon quote on the Chapel sign ‘In this place the word is revealed to you’ is certainly true.

The Chapel is situated at one end of the long distant walk ‘St Peters Way’. The Chapel is right on the coast and has stunning views a must for walkers and those keen on photography. The car park is about ¼ mile away from the chapel, so a walk along the track is necessary.

On the last Thursday in the month throughout the year (and every Thursday during July and August) there is usually a 9am Communion service, although with occasional evening services.

There are no toilet or refreshment facilities at the chapel.