Warwickshire man’s moving art to accompany military concert

Mike Yorke’s Empty Chairs installation, which consists of a miniature wooden chair put together for every British soldier who has died in the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, was so well received when it was on display at the Mitchell Gallery in Warwick in March, that it was brought back to the neighbouring St Mary’s church during the summer.

And now the RBL’s Coventry and Warwickshire branch has invited the artist to bring the work - which sadly now has 379 chairs, up from the 359 when the Courier last reported on the exhibition - to the charity’s 90th anniversary concert at Coventry Cathedral tomorrow (Saturday).

Mike, who had never held a solo exthibiion before his run at the Mitchell Gallery, said: “To have my work at such an atmospheric place as Coventry Cathedral will be amazing.

“Regardless of your political viewpoint, the tragic loss of human life and the effect resonating on those bereaved cannot be forgotten.

“The chair once occupied is a reminder of their absence. Each leaves behind an empty chair.”

The former engineer, who ended up changing his career after suffering a brain haemorrhage 13 years ago, first created a large-scale sculpture of an empty chair, based on a famous painting by Vincent Van Gogh, after his father Peter died in 2007. Due to Peter’s military links, he was inspired to take the concept further.

The RBL anniversary concert takes place tomorrow at 7pm, including performances by the Band of the Royal Air Force College, Worcester Male Voice Choir and the Coventry Boy Choristers.

Tickets cost £12.50, available from Coventry Cathedral Visitor Centre or by calling 024 7652 1210. Proceeds to the RBL.