A high Anglican church in the City of London has embraced a work of high (some would say bling) Conceptual art generously lent by the artist Damien Hirst. A gilded version of Saint Bartholomew, Exquisite Pain makes quite an impact in the south transept of the ancient Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield, London. The Apostle, who was flayed before being crucified, carries his skin and wields a pair of big scissors, a work inspired by a statue in the Duomo di Milano and Tim Burton's film Edward Scissorhands. A gold-leaf version recently replaced a bronze one, previously on loan from the artist, who was raised a good Catholic and so knows the importance of good deeds when the saints go marching in.
