A Rediscovered View: John Piper’s The Churchyard

Jerwood Foundation was recently alerted to a renewed recognition of John Piper’s painting The churchyard, in Jerwood Collection, after it appeared as an illustration accompanying an online article. The image was immediately recognised by a reader as depicting St Baglan’s Church, near Caernarfon, viewed from a familiar angle.

 John Piper, a founding member of Friends of Friendless Churches in the 1950s, painted many historic churches across the UK. Although St Baglan’s has been under the charity’s care since the 1970s, this rediscovery offers a valuable insight into Piper’s early engagement with sites that would later become key rescue projects. The recognition helps to piece together the history of how some of the charity’s earliest churches were identified, recorded and preserved.

 

Moments such as this highlight the enduring value of Piper’s work as both artistic expression and historical record, capturing architectural heritage with sensitivity and precision. They also demonstrate how artworks from the mid-twentieth century continue to prompt fresh connections, research and understanding decades after they were made.

 

For more information about Friends of Friendless Churches please visit their website: Friends of Friendless Churches - Rescuing places of worship in England & Wales

January 12, 2026