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High Altar Cross
cross | metalwork
silver
Cross with incarnadined Boss, encircled by 7 crystals, interlaced ornament of the Knot on Shaft and arms.
‘The cross is indeed a work of art, and no trouble has been spared to make it in design and workmanship worthy of its sacred symbolism and the noble Abbey which now homes it. May it be a means of kindling out faith by its picture lessons. Its design is that of some of the early Saxon crosses, such as that of S. Cuthbert. The incarnadined Boss typifies “the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the World.” The seven crystals encircling the Boss represent the Messages to the Seven Churches, and the Sevenfold Gift of the Holy Spirit, one jewel each for the seven canonized Bishops of Hexham. The interlaced ornament of the Knot on Shaft and arms is symbolical of life and Eternity.’ [Parish Mag, Apr 1902 p.27]
Mr Herbert J Maryon, designer (Director of KSIA)
Keswick School of Industrial Arts
1902
1902: “… 44. Altar Cross. Hexham Abbey, designed by Herbert Maryon. Delicately restrained it draws upon Norse motifs and evokes the drumhead cross. Exhibited at the Home Arts and Industries Exhibition, 1902.” [The Loving Eye and Skilful Hand.]
Placed in the Abbey on Good Friday: Gift by Mrs J Oswald Head of a Cross designed by Mr H J Maryon, of the Keswick School of Industrial Arts. [Parish Mag, Apr 1902 p.27]
1964. “Miss Lilian Hawthorn. […] It was she who, as an Art student, made the enamel centre piece for the cross on the High Altar. […] When in 1939 she came to live in Hexham, she took a very active part in the life of the Abbey.” [Abbey Chronicle, Apr. 1964.] See her memorial [HEXAB154.1].
Ht. 870 | W 460 | across cross arms 390
secured on high altar
Chancel/Presbytery
AbChron. May 1974 p3.