Studio: international art (34.1905)

A Notable Decorative Achievement

central panel a figure of Christ with hand raised mass of admirably treated detail. On each tree is
in blessing and feet set upon a writhing serpent, placed a symbolical winged figure, and above, in
and around are placed the symbols of the Evan- the centre, is a cross flanked*by two angels typifying
gelists with triple-stemmed flowering trees on " Gentleness" and " Goodness." There is another
either side. Even in this reredos the colour, screen, separating a side chapel from the nave ; it
though fuller than in other parts of the church, is of carved walnut with pewter enrichments, and
is free from insistence, and is kept studiously in is not only exceptionally elegant in its lines, but
right relation to its gentle surroundings. also especially happy as an example of correct wood

Perhaps the best display of the wonderful in- construction. In both these instances the artist shows
genuity in design, which is one of the most dis- a consummate sense of craftsmanship and a true un-
tinguished characteristics oi the whole of the work derstanding of the use of particular materials. Very
that Mr. Reynolds-Stephens has accomplished characteristic, too, is his treatment of the organ-case
during his career, is to be seen in the chancel in hammered steel with low-relief copper panels ot
screen. The slender-stemmed' trees of which it is subjects from the Benedicite ; and the bronze altar
composed rise from the marble base, and their rails resting upon wreaths of flowering briars, typify-
crowns of foliage interlacing above make a rich 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,
flanked 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.
Heywood Sumner, those in the sanctuary
chancel, and side chapel 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
sketch cartoon for stained glass window {ne right relationship.

by w. reynolds-stephens d

(Reproduced by Permission of the artist, who reserves copyright) A. L. BALDRY.

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