His work adorns Norwich Cathedral and many churches across the county, and later this month an exhibition will celebrate the life and work of master craftsman and teacher David Holgate.

Eastern Daily Press: David Holgate's statue of St Benedict, one of two commissioned for the west front of Norwich Cathedral to commemorate the millennium. Photo: Bill SmithDavid Holgate's statue of St Benedict, one of two commissioned for the west front of Norwich Cathedral to commemorate the millennium. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2014)

The David Holgate retrospective, called Exuberance is Beauty, will be held at Norwich Cathedral's Hostry, and is being staged by three arts organisations of which Mr Holgate was a key member – Norfolk Contemporary Art Society, Norfolk Contemporary Craft Society and Norwich Twenty Group.

Among Mr Holgate's most well- known work are the statues of Mother Julian and St Benedict on the west front of Norwich Cathedral, and an exhibition trail will guide visitors around 25 examples of his work in the historic building.

The show's title is taken from one of Mr Holgate's pieces of letter carving, and the exhibition will feature a mix of his artwork, letter carving, sculpture and working drawings.

As well as being an accomplished sculptor, calligrapher and teacher, Mr Holgate, who died in 2014, aged 75, was a keen musician, performing with many bands including a support band for the Beach Boys.

Eastern Daily Press: David Holgate's statue of Mother Julian, one of two commissioned for the west front of Norwich Cathedral to commemorate the millennium. Photo: Bill SmithDavid Holgate's statue of Mother Julian, one of two commissioned for the west front of Norwich Cathedral to commemorate the millennium. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2014)

His double bass will be displayed in the show alongside photographs and memorabilia from his musical life.

Mr Holgate's daughter, Katy Gandon, said: 'Norwich – a fine city, and for thousands of years has been made finer by those who have lived and worked here, giving their time and energy to the upkeep and preservation of its historical beauty.

'David Holgate was one of these. A man who, although not actually born in the city, adopted it as his home and devoted his life to the historical buildings and churches of the city and the surrounding villages.

'It is for this reason that it is important that David's work has been documented and presented in this retrospective, showcasing what a significant contributor he was to the preservation and future of this beautiful county.

Eastern Daily Press: A David Holgate retrospective � called Exuberance is Beauty - will be held at Norwich Cathedral�s Hostry, Pictured is David Holgate carving. Photo: supplied by Norwich Twenty Group.A David Holgate retrospective � called Exuberance is Beauty - will be held at Norwich Cathedral�s Hostry, Pictured is David Holgate carving. Photo: supplied by Norwich Twenty Group. (Image: supplied by Paul Dickson)

'As well as working on commissions, David taught for many years in local art colleges, worked with several (now very accomplished) apprentices, as well as keeping up a successful musical career as a bass player...

'This retrospective is a celebration of an extremely talented man, who always had time to share his enthusiasm for all the arts with people from all walks of life, and has literally and metaphorically left his mark on this city and county. His exuberance was, and is beautiful.'

John Barnard, a Norfolk Contemporary Crafts Society colleague, said: 'We are filling the Hostry with memories of our very own Renaissance man – a lifetime of magnificent work.'

Exuberance is Beauty will run from January 21 to February 26. It will be open 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm-3pm on Sundays. Visit www.cathedral.org.uk

Eastern Daily Press: David Holgate, jazz musician and stonemason, at Norwich Cathedral where he carved the two figures either side of the West door. Photo: Denise Bradley .David Holgate, jazz musician and stonemason, at Norwich Cathedral where he carved the two figures either side of the West door. Photo: Denise Bradley . (Image: �Archant Photographic 2009)