The brief for this commission was to create a new processional set that reflected the powerful modern aesthetic of the Cathedral, which was light enough to carry, practical, easy to clean, and robust enough for weekly use. To be entrusted to design and make such central sacred ritual objects, focal points leading the congregation in liturgical celebration, is an honour. 

The building is ‘in the round’ with no pillars obstructing the view, so it was important to me that the cross would appear as a cross from any direction, as it processes around the circular space. The architecture is striking, and the feel inside is uplifting, drawing focus upwards to the incredible stained glass of the crown like structure.

The design of the cross echoes this, drawn together at the top with the gold crown of thorns which stitch the eight ‘arms’ of the cross together. Each arm is hollow formed by hammering silver sheet, using the technique of Anticlastic raising, to create a strong structure that is light enough to carry.
There is a huge amount of invisible engineering, as all the parts fit together with bolts and bayonets, none of which are apparent to the viewer.

The pieces were delivered in October, 2020, and used for the first time at Midnight Mass, Christmas 2020. 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, the Candlesticks are **cm high and **cm in diameter.

If you would like to find out more about the commissioning process, I would be delighted to have an informal no-obligation chat.

You can also find out more about how the commissioning process works here.