Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Commission

Feb 3, 2021 | Exhibitions & Events

At last, I can reveal what I’ve been working on for the longest time… the new Processional Cross for Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. The Cross, and accompanying Acolyte Candles, were used for the first time for Midnight Mass at Christmas, as the Dean, Fr O’Brien said, they were a wonderful Christmas gift to the cathedral. The cross stands 2.3 metres (7 feet 6 inches) tall.

When I started designing, over two years ago, I wanted to make the cross a symbol of hope, uplifting and inspiring. I had no idea then how prescient that aim would turn out to be. I don’t mind saying out loud, it’s my proudest achievement in my working life, my creative life (so far). There is a huge amount of invisible engineering, as all the parts fit together with bolts and bayonets, and I didn’t want anybody to see that, I wanted it to look like it just happened effortlessly (it didn’t!). It appears as a cross from every direction, as the cathedral is in the round. The 8 arms are hollow, so it is light enough to carry. I’ll share more of how it was made in the coming weeks and months. If you would like to keep up to date, please subscribe to my mailing list using the sign up box at the bottom of every page of this website.