Chris Eckersley and Gareth Neal: Re-ordering of the Sanctuary
Title: Re-ordering of the sanctuary
Artist: Chris Eckersley (b. 1952) and Gareth Neal (b. 1974) (British)
Location: Our Lady of Victories, Kensington (RC)
Date: 2017
These works were shortlisted for the A+C Award for Art in a Religious Context 2019.
The sanctuary at Our Lady of Victories has had several partial re-orderings since the 1970s and following a major refurbishment in 2010 it was apparent that the reconfigured space lacked visual cohesion. Monsignor Curry wished to commission suitably qualified artist-designers to produce a new, unified scheme of furnishings. The approach was to be modern, yet simultaneously in keeping with the architectural character of the building (Adrian Gilbert Scott, 1957) and the new reredos (Stephen Foster).
On the recommendation of Carmel Allen, a parishioner who is Managing Director of the Tate, Gareth Neal and Chris Eckersley were introduced to Monsignor Curry. Gareth and Chris were jointly awarded the commission to design the new furnishings, to include: an ambo, tabernacle pedestal, ceremonial candle holders, principal chairs, choir benches, credence tables, and a raising and updating of the 1970s altar.
‘Using wood, brass and stone, Chris Eckersley and Gareth Neal have drawn on both Arts and Crafts traditions and on mid-century design to create practical and aesthetically pleasing pieces that facilitate worship and unify the numerous necessary elements of the sanctuary. The panel was impressed by the designers’ achievement in creating a coherent visual language that is delicate yet striking enough to hold its own against the sturdy setting of Adrian Gilbert Scott’s 1957 architecture, and by the quality of the craftsmanship in the executed pieces.’ Olivia Horsfall Turner, chair of the judging panel.
Chris Eckersley was born and brought up in Birmingham. He studied Fine Art (Sculpture) and then, after running a workshop designing and making furniture, did an MA in Design at Central St Martins, where he was subsequently Visiting Tutor. His work includes not only designs for furniture but also drawing, installation, and research into measurement and proportion, and he is co-founder of ‘Bodging Milano’, an experimental project which connects traditional craft techniques and contemporary design, based on the Buckinghamshire tradition of bodging (turning chair legs from unseasoned wood). Chris is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).
Gareth Neal studied Furniture Design and Craftsmanship at Buckinghamshire University. He is Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton and runs a furniture design studio in the East End of London. His work unites local materials and traditional techniques with contemporary technology. Pieces can be found in the V & A Museum and Manchester Metropolitan among others.
Further Information
Medium: Various
Permanent display
See Chris Eckersley and Gareth Neal’s Sanctuary re-ordering on the Ecclesiart map here.
Commisioner: Monsignor Curry