International studio (25.1905)

centra! pane! a figure of Christ with hand raised
in Messing and feet set upon a writhing serpent,
and around are placed the symbols of the Evan-
gelists with triple-stemmed flowering trees on
either side. Even in this reredos the colour,
though fuller than in other parts of the church,
is free from insistence, and is kept studiously in
right relation to its gentle surroundings.
Perhaps the best display of the wonderful in-
genuity in design, which is one of the most dis-
tinguished characteristics of the whole of the work
that Mr. Reynolds-Stephens has accomplished
during his career, is to be seen in the chancel
screen. The slender-stemmed trees of which it is
composed rise from the marble base, and their
crowns of foliage interlacing above make a rich

mass of admirably treated detail. On each^tree is
placed a symbolical winged figure, and above, in
the centre, is a cross flanked by two angels typifying
" Gentleness " and " Goodness." There is another
screen, separating a side chapel from the nave ; it
is of carved walnut with pewter enrichments, and
is not only exceptionally elegant in its lines, but
also especially happy as an example of correct wood
construction. In both these instances the artist shows
a consummate sense of craftsmanship and a true un-
derstanding of the use of particular materials. Very
characteristic, too, is his treatment of the organ-case
in hammered steel with low-relief copper panels of
subjects from the Benedicite; and the bronze altar
rails resting upon wreaths of flowering briars, typify-
ing the crown of thorns, are extremely well conceived.
There are many other details which
add most helpfully to the general impres-
sion—the graceful and exquisitely pro-
portioned electric-light pendants in grey
metal with plaques in blue enamel;
the dignified pulpit, with its hammered
copper front in the shape of a large cross,
Hanked with triple-stemmed flowering
trees, emblems of the Trinity; and the
sanctuary seats, severely strong in cha-
racter and yet not wanting in grace and
delicacy of form. The windows also, of
which those in the nave and the rose
window at the end were designed by Mr.
Hey wood Sumner, those in the sanctuary
chancel, andsidechapel by Mr. Reynolds-
Stephens, and those beneath the rose
window by Mr. Louis Davis, are in excel-
lent taste, and are decoratively of no little
value. Only one thing is at present lack-
ing to complete the work. The font,
which in such a well-planned scheme
should certainly be made a feature of
especial prominence, offends by its bare-
ness and poverty of form, and seems
altogether out of place amongst its
worthier surroundings. That a more
suitable design is in contemplation is
suggested by the leaflet already quoted,
and when this design is carried out the
church will be freed from its sole defect.
But even as it is, it ranks emphatically
as a notable achievement, and as one
which in all respects deserves to be
taken as a model for future attempts
to unite architecture and decoration in
the right relationship.
A. L. BALDRY.
'5


SKETCH CARTOON- FOR STAINED GLASS WINDOW
BY W. REYNOLDS-STEPHENS