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cherishing our heritage |
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a unique vestment |
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The architect of St. John the Baptist, Epping, George Frederick Bodley, was renowned for his attention to detail both with the exterior of the churches he designed and also the interior. Everything was a ‘unity’, each part contributing to the whole. St. John’s, Epping is no exception and we have inherited a legacy of great beauty. Inevitably, however, with the passage of time there is a need for renewal and restoration. Over the past few years we have been tackling some major projects, including renewal of worn stonework and the re-wiring and re-lighting of the Church. We have also been paying attention to other aspects of our heritage and we recently renovated our superb White Festal Frontal, designed by Bodley and originally crafted by Watts & Co of London, the firm set up by Bodley, George Gilbert Scott and Thomas Garner. The frontal was restored by Tine Rumble using material supplied by Watts & Co and acting on their advice. In addition to the White Frontal, St. John’s possess other original vestments—a cope, a green chasuble and a white chasuble. The white chasuble has been described by David Gazeley of Watts & Co as one of the most important of its period. It was designed specifically for Epping by Cecil Greenwood Hare, G.F.Bodley’s architectural partner and it displays all the refinement of design associated with these eminent Victorian architects. Mr Gazeley comments:
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further information |
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Further links to information on Bodley: |
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the 'Bodley' white chasuble |
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a vestment in need of restoration |
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The chasuble was restored in 2007 in time for the centenary of the death of Bodley. An earlier restoration had resulted in the use of a white damask which was not the original pattern which was so well worn that it required replacement. Watts & Co completed the 2007 restoration with a Bodley Cream Gothic Silk which would be in keeping with the original design. |
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a vestment for worship |
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There is no doubt that St. John’s White Chasuble is a work of art of some significance but it is also a vestment worthy for the worship of Almighty God. We are therefore restored it not as a museum piece but as something which will enhance worship. We can now use this fine vestment in our worship four times a year. The chasuble was restored in time for the October 2007 centenary of the laying of the foundation stone for our Church Tower — the last part of Bodley’s grand design for St John’s to be completed. 2007 was also the centenary year of Bodley’s death. Marking both these events and at the same time preserving a treasure of our Church was something we felt very worthwhile and were delighted to achieve this goal. |
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