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Elements

In pure architecture the smallest detail should have a meaning or serve a purpose

From the glittering High Altar of the Church of the Immaculate Conception to...

...a monstrance from Linford Church, Norfolk, the beauty of Pugin’s designs can be found.

These little gems are always a joy to discover, especially when they are not expected. So here is a collection of such elements that I have encountered on my travels.

Click on the images to enlarge and explore the gallery 

Church of the Immaculate Conception

W1K 3AH -Farm Street, Mayfair, London

Farm Street Church, as it is also known, is unusual in that, unlike most, it is orientated north to south due to the limited size plot on which it was built. It was designed by architect Joseph John Scoles and is an incredibly ornate example of Victorian Gothic.  

The highlight of course is Pugin’s glittering gold high alter which is made up of two mosaic panels depicting the Annunciation and the Coronation of the Virgin by Salviati.

St John the Baptist Cathedral, Norfolk

NR2 2PA - Norwich, Unthank Rd

The cathedral was designed by George Gilbert Scott Jnr. and was constructed between 1882 and 1910. It is the second largest Roman Catholic Cathedral in England, Westminster being the largest.

Among the items on display in the Cathedral’s treasury cabinets are a pair of brass, five branch candelabras for use at Benediction and a monstrance in the form of a turret, which was made for Linford Church in Norfolk - all of which are attributed to Pugin.

St Mary’s Church, Great Yarmouth

NR30 2AJ - Regent Rd, Norfolk

St Mary’s is a peaceful haven, nestled amongst the busy seaside shops selling the usual buckets and spades. It was built between 1847 and 1850 and was designed by architect, Joseph John Scoles.

The pulpit’s design is attributed to Pugin and its execution in stone by Myers.  It features two angels with gilt wings that stand in the niches at each corner. The angels are dressed in white robes and holding blank scrolls which are likely to have once borne an inscription. 

All Saints, Necton

PE37 8HE – Tuns Road

All Saints dates from the 14th and 15th century but underwent major restoration in the 19th century, including the rebuilding of the west tower and the conversion of the south entrance into a side chapel. This chapel, now the Sunday School room, houses two monuments to the Mason family designed by Pugin.

 

The monuments each feature six praying angel effigies, carved in marble, with the Mason family coat of arms on the base.

If you are planning on visiting one of the sites mentioned, please make sure that you check the opening times before venturing out.

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