It is an image which has been the source of debate among scholars and theologians for hundreds of years. Now a mystery of almost as great proportions has been sparked: just how does the Turin Shroud – or an official replica of it – turn up in Tiverton?
The answer will be revealed later this month when a Tiverton church hosts an exhibition of artworks on a religious theme alongside a full-size replica of the fabled artefact.
Local artist Rosa Tuffney will be showing her paintings, several of which were inspired by the shroud, in the same room in the town's St Andrew's Church as the replica cloth which is going on display in Devon for the first time.
There are just six replicas of the Shroud of Turin – a piece of linen cloth which contains the image of a man, front and back, who appears to have been crucified and who some believe it to be a representation of Christ – and only one which resides in the UK.
Rosa said: "It is a great thing for Tiverton; we are so lucky to have an opportunity to see something like this up close."
A friend of Rosa's saw the shroud replica when it was on display in Worcester Cathedral, but Rosa said for the time being, her exhibition was the only scheduled opportunity to see the replica of the iconic image available to the public.
She said: "The Turin Shroud is one of life's incredible mysteries. No-one knows how it was done, and what the origins of the shroud were. I find it fascinating and it is interesting from both a scientific and a religious standpoint. A non-believer can find it as fascinating as a Christian, a Muslim or a Sikh."
To capitalise on the educational opportunities provided by the exhibition, Rosa said she was planning to make contact with schools across Mid Devon and invite students to see the exhibition which will run at the church in Blundell's Avenue from Tuesday, April 30, to Sunday, May 5.
At around 14ft long, the replica is the same size and is true to the genuine article which was displayed on Vatican TV over Easter for the first time in years. The replica will be accompanied by display boards showing how to identify the component parts of the image; wound marks on the image accord with all those inflicted on the body of Jesus as described in the Bible. There are marks said to be compatible with a crown of thorns, facial injuries, flogging and the nails of crucifixion to hands and feet.
The original shroud is known to have been exhibited at Lirey in France in the 14th century, and since then it has survived a number of fires in the buildings which housed it across the Continent, but has always been rescued, with only a few burns, none of which have touched the markings from the body.
Rosa has recently completed a painting entitled 'The Resurrection Shroud of Christ in time for the exhibition and other pictures in the series depicted events from scripture including the opening of the floodgates of Heaven and Mary being visited by the Angel Gabriel.
The exhibition is free and runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm daily with refreshments served.
