Damien Hirst is to exhibit an "important" new work in St Paul's Cathedral, it was revealed today.

The artist, whose works often use religious references, will unveil the unknown piece in early November.

The combination of Hirst, best known for his use of animals pickled in formaldehyde, and what is one of the most important symbols of the Church of England is bound to be contentious.

It is not the first time the artist has exhibited in a church. In 2007 he had a show at All Hallows in the City, in which his works included a skull of a child cast in silver and hearts pierced with syringes and razor blades.

Hirst, a self-confessed lapsed Catholic, examined God and religion in a 2003 show at the White Cube gallery, which featured his 1994 cow cut in half, entitled Prodigal Son.

It also featured a piece called Jesus And The Disciples - which comprised 13 glass tanks including a severed cow's head with metal instruments sticking out - and a dove in a glass cabinet called The Ascension Of Jesus.

Other works by Hirst that refer to religion include his diamond-encrusted skull, called For The Love Of God, which sold at auction for £50million.

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