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West Tarring Church
Mosaics Photo Gallery
Also here
THE MOSAICS
at St. Andrew's Parish Church, West Tarring, Worthing
HISTORY
 | The mosaics were installed between 1884 and 1885 by the Rector, Dr
Henry Bailey. |
| Designed by William Butterfield, who was inspired by the ancient
mosaics in Ravenna. |
| Burke & Co., a Hammersmith based firm, carried out the work under
the supervision of Butterfield. They employed an |
| Many hundreds of visitors came to see the mosaics shortly after their
construction. |
DESCRIPTION
| The mosaics adorn the north, south and west walls of the nave, which
is a 'twelve--apostle-arch' construction. |
| There are two tiers divided by a band which contains the Apostles'
Creed. |
| The apostles in the upper tier are 6-feet high and are decorated with
fruiting palms and stars. Each panel measures 11.5 ft by 9 ft. Each apostle
is identified by name and by the emblems traditionally associated with them. |
| The patriarchs of Israel are portrayed in medallions in the lower
tier. |
| There are striking stylistic similarities between the mosaics at West
Tarring and those in the Basilica Nuovo San Appolinare in Northern Italy. |
COMPLETION
| To complete the scheme, a design showing Christ in Glory, with S.
Andrew and S. Peter on either side, was to be placed on the chancel arch.
Lack of funds prevented this, but the church holds the design (cartoon)
which was to be used. |
CURRENT SITUATION
| The mosaics are over 100 years old. They have not been cleaned since
1930 and they are showing signs of deterioration. |
| Cleaning is essential if the mosaics are to be preserved for the
local community as well as for the nation. |
| S. Andrew's PCC has set up a two-fold mosaics project to pursue:
The cleaning and restoration of the existing mosaics
The completion of the whole work. |
FUNDING
| Funding will be sought from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and
other appropriate funds and trusts. |
| Initial costs for photographs, the condition survey etc are mounting
and will not be covered by grants. We are trying to raise this money and all
donations would be very welcome. Envelopes for donations may be found in the
bookstall area. |
The church is open on weekdays from 2.30pm - 4.00pm
from April
to October and for the usual services.
If you wish to view the mosaics outside these times,
or if you would like
further information,
please contact David Maddock 01903 262815
or Fred Budgen
01903 236948
Please check opening times, before
travelling
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