Anchorhold was a temporary installation in the crypt of Washington’s National Cathedral where visitors were invited to participate in contemporary and historic contemplation practices. The Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage hosted the project to celebrate the 650th anniversary of Julian of Norwich’s spiritual visions. A theologian and recluse, Julian lived in a solitary chamber attached to a church (anchorhold) and wrote the earliest surviving English language text by a woman.

Adjacent to St. Dunstan’s chapel, the 8 x 8’ enclosure was lined with natural linen and furnished with a writing desk and chair. The library offered of a series of self-directed activities including meditative reading, responsive writing, and mindful drawing. Public events included labyrinth walks, a poetry workshop, and a communal reading of Julian’s Revelations of Divine Love. I was present in the Center for seven days, attending to visitors and staging Consumed, a durational performance centered around medieval reading practices.