2.1.9 The Jewel Casket Filled

UNDERSTANDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLACE

2.1.9 THE JEWEL CASKET FILLED Spence’s design for the building had always prioritised a fusion of art and architecture. The manner in which the artists were chosen and the value placed on each commission originated directly from Spence’s office and reflected to a large extent, Spence’s vision for the building. Each piece of work went through its own design iterations and the manner in which they were made was in the hands of the individual artists. Some of the pieces are integral to the architecture, like the tapestry or the baptistery window, whilst others can be considered as stand-alone items, like the lectern or the candlesticks, but all were conceived to bring a sense of unity to the building.

A full and detailed account of the key artworks in the new cathedral can be found in Journey into the Light. All that is intended here is a synopsis of the works and their makers with a brief history. These artworks, each with their own design histories and artistic and spiritual provenance, are part of the fabric of the building and have been intertwined in its liturgical and physical make-up since the conception of the building. An overarching view of their relationship to the architecture of the Cathedral as a whole, and the individual liturgical, spiritual and cultural value of each will be discussed in Section 4.0, Significance.

John Hutton engraving one of the west screen angels Organ tuner Michael Latham, 1993

Ralph Beyer carving one of the Tablets of the Word, 1950s