Studio: international art (34.1905)

A Notable Decorative Achievement

to what will in the future befall his ingenious The charm of the colour harmony which makes

contrivings. the interior so fascinating can be conveyed but

Correctly enough, all the adornments which he inadequately in words. The dominant notes of

has introduced symbolise and illustrate a particular grey and green, with only the warm brown of the

idea—that of the Resurrection. His purpose is, woodwork as a contrast, are played upon with

set forth in an explanatory leaflet which was issued infinite resource, and yet with a perfect simplicity

to the parishioners when the church was dedicated: that can scarcely be made intelligible by mere

" The primary object of Mr. Reynolds-Stephens in description. In the nave the plain wagon roof

his designs has been to lead the thoughts of the is divided by broad ribs filled with a pattern of

worshippers onward through his decorations to the lilies and conventional rose-trees in low relief and

glorified and risen Christ, whose form in the centre overlaid with silvery aluminium. These ribs spring

of the reredos is to be the keystone of the whole from bases of walnut-wood, between which are wall

scheme. He has made free use of floral forms hangings ot green material with stencilled patterns

throughout the decoration, emblematical of pro- in shades of dark blue and buff. The chancel is

gressive growth in the earthly life, but still more 01 separated from the nave by a screen in brass

the glorious hope which year by year is emphasised and bronze on a base of green marble, and the

at Eastertide, the time of floral recrudescence." apse beyond, which strikes the highest note in

This idea is consistently expressed throughout, the whole scheme, has walls and dome of alumi-

and its elaboration gives coherence and complete- nium above a high dado of pale green marble. On

ness to the manifestation of the aesthetic instincts the vault of the dome is a great vine, in low relief,

of the designer. It is practically the story he has which rises from behind the reredos and breaks

to tell through the medium of his art, the dramatic the plain surface of the dome with an exquisite

motive of which he must never lose sight. play of light and shade. The reredos has in its

THE ALTAR RAIL : GLORIFIED CROWN OF THORNS IN BRASS DESIGNED AND EXECUTED

THE RAIL IN COPPER OXIDISED DARK GREY ; MARBLE, DARK IRISH BY W. REYNOLDS-STEPHENS

GREEN. THE STEP IN DARK-GREY BELGIAN FOSSIL MARBLE

(Reprodticed by permission of the artist, who reserves copyright)

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