This visit explores St George’s Cathedral, the adjoining Archbishop’s House, and includes a special examination of church plate.

We are delighted to announce a forthcoming architectural and ecclesiastical study visit to St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, the adjoining Archbishop’s House, and a special examination of church plate designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. This event will offer members a unique opportunity to explore one of the most important centres of nineteenth-century Catholic architecture in England and to examine the legacy of the Gothic Revival through architecture, liturgy and the decorative arts.

Designed by Pugin and opened in 1848, St George’s was the first Roman Catholic cathedral established in London since the Reformation and one of his most ambitious commissions. Although devastatingly damaged during the Blitz in 1941, important elements of Pugin’s work survive, including the Petre Chantry and Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The cathedral seen today is largely the result of Romilly Craze’s thoughtful post-war reconstruction, creating a fascinating dialogue between the Gothic Revival and twentieth-century ecclesiastical architecture.

The visit will also include the Archbishop’s House, designed by Frederick Arthur Walters as part of the cathedral precinct in the late nineteenth century. Best known as a leading designer of Roman Catholic churches, Walters rarely worked on domestic commissions, making this remarkably complete survival an unusual and important example of his architecture in a residential setting.

Members will also enjoy the rare opportunity to examine a selection of church plate designed by Pugin, illustrating his conviction that every aspect of worship, from buildings to liturgical furnishings, should embody the highest standards of craftsmanship and design

Meeting Place: Entrance to the St George's Cathedral, Lambeth Road, SE1 7HY

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.

Cancellations

Cancellations will be accepted up to a week before the event. A refund will be issued but will be subject to a £10 deduction per ticket for administrative costs.

Disclaimer

You participate in events at your own risk, and neither the Society nor its officers or servants accept any liability of any kind whatsoever, howsoever arising. The Victorian Society reserves the right to cancel, alter or postpone events if necessary.

Image: Nave, St George's Cathderal, image By JFVoll - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=123702900

Description supplied by the event organiser.