World premiere exhibit of "The Passion of Edith Cavell" in Washington, D.C.

As part of Washington National Cathedral’s commemoration of the start of World War One, the cathedral hosted an exhibit of Brian Whelan’s “Passion of Edith Cavell” on July 24, featuring a talk by the artist, and a discussion of World War One poetry by the Cathedral's Dean. The exhibit remained at theCathedral through September 18.

Cavell (1865–1915) was an International Red Cross nurse, known as a humanitarian who gave her life to the cause of her fellow human beings and who treated British, German, Belgian, and French soldiers alike during World War One. Commissioned to hang at Cavell’s final resting place in Norwich Cathedral, “The Passion of Edith Cavell” will embark on an international tour between its initial showing in Washingto Cathedral and final installation in the UK.

Beyond commemorating the bravery and humanitarian actions of one woman, the work also aims to document the often-forgotten, but highly important, role of women in World War One and other conflicts. Click here for more information on the event and to watch video of the opening remarks and the artist's talk.