This is a recording of a talk called The Mosaics of Westminster Cathedral, by Peter Howell recorded on 26th November 2024.
This talk was part of the Online Autumn Lecture Series 2024 called Crossing boundaries: Victorian art, design and architecture. Follow this link to watch all of the lectures.
We’re used to the idea of Victorian architecture, art and design as separate disciplines, with their own historians. But that seriously misrepresents the way that many nineteenth-century architects and designers thought and practised. They conceived of the fine and decorative arts as part of an architectural whole – a total work of art. Our seven expert speakers will boldly break down disciplinary boundaries in a discussion of the use of colour and texture across the whole range of Victorian design and analyses of the important roles played by mosaic, stained glass, embroidery and three-dimensional wall coverings. Among the highlights are lectures on two great designers who sought in very different ways to fuse architecture with decoration and the fine arts – Owen Jones and Alfred Stevens, both the subjects of major new books by our speakers.
The Mosaics of Westminster Cathedral, by Peter Howell
J F Bentley intended that the interior should be covered in marble revetment and mosaics. He never had any mosaics installed, but he approved the designs for the Holy Souls Chapel by his friend William Christian Symons. Other early mosaics we designed by J R Clayton, Robert Anning Bell and George Jack.
Peter Howell, former Chairman of the Victorian Society is the author of John Francis Bentley (2020).
After booking a ticket, you will be given access to the recording of the event. Please ignore the event date in the listings.
This event helps raise funds for The Victorian Society - the only charity dedicated to fighting for our Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Join us today and safeguard our unique cultural heritage for future generations! For further information, click here.
The Victorian Society is an IHBC recognised CPD provider.
Image: Westminster Cathedral Chapel Holy Souls, detail of mosaics: Patrick Comerford, 2018
