Saint Paul's Cathedral - Altar Cross

SPCAA/D/3/9

Pencil and ink drawing on tracing paper with a red and blue ink wash showing a proposal for the base of the Cross for the High Altar.

Ink and pencil drawing with blue and red washes showing the proposed design of the Bodley and Garner cross for the High Altar. The sketch shows only the base of the cross and there are several alternatives, enlargements and details surrounding the main sketch. At the bottom is the foot of the cross, with curved feet, decorative scrolls, an angel head and a garland of fruit and flowers. Overlaying this in pencil is the plan for the base of the cross, showing the four feet extending in a cross-shape around a central circle. Above the foot is a shield with the crossed swords arms, leading up to a chalice shape. This has a central oval decorative panel, highlighted in red wash. Below this is fluting and floral carving. Above the oval is more fluting and a design of twisting spirals. Above the cup is a panel, shaped like an arch over a caption panel. The arch has double pillars and a semi-circular top, surmounted by an angel's head and a triangular pediment. The centre of the arch is washed in blue and the arch in red. There are notations as to the colour (crystal for the pillars and lapis for the centre). Surrounding this main design are a series of alternatives and details. Next to the chalice shape is a detail of the floral decoration for this part of the cross with a notation "Enlarged". To the right of the arch shape is a pencil sketch labelled plan of the cross, which appears to show the cross from above, with the different sections superimposed on each other. Below this is an enlarged detail of pillar. To the left of the arch is an alternative design that has a rounded arch (still with a cherub's head) instead of a triangular one.

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