Art and religion have always been closely linked. Most Renaissance paintings were of religious scenes and many were commissioned by the church, often for church altars. Angels were a common subject for paintings and contemporary artist Celia Kilner has created a set of 60 life-sized paintings of angels based on the works of masters such as Raphael, Fra Angelico, Murillo and Poussin, among others.
And where better to display them than in a church? As part of the Sydenham Arts Festival, St Bartholomew's Church will be populated with these angels in a contemporary twist on a classical layout. The festival runs from 29 June to 14 July; on every weekend during this period, there's an artist's trail to take in all the local art in Sydenham, including this angelic church.
The artworks are part of a wider programme at the church including craft workshops, theatre performances and lectures about the role of angels in art. Click here for a full list of associated events.
Heavens Above: The Angels Are Coming! is on at St. Bartholomew's Church, Westwood Hill, SE26 6QR from 22 June to 28 July. Admission is free.
Find out about a trio of South London festivals, including Sydenham, here.