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International Art Treasures Web Magazine June 2004 |
St. Paul's Cathedral
Reader, look at London's unmistakable skyline, that is Sir Christopher Wren's legacy. All of the architect's numerous achievements and accolades pale in comparison to having the Dome he created whilst he rebuilt St. Paul's Cathedral simply identified as "Wren's Dome."
Christopher Wren, born 1632, son to the rector of Knoyle. He was a graduate of Westminster School and Wadham College, Oxford. The man was a noted scientist and a founding member of the Society of Experimental Philosophy, which would become The Royal Society. The Bishop of Ely, Wren's Uncle, provided the first architectural commission to Wren who designed Pembroke College Chapel at Cambridge University.
In 1666, Sir Christopher Wren's design for the alterations to St. Paul's Cathedral were accepted, however six days later the then Cathedral was destroyed by the Great Fire of London. The result was Wren's designs had to be modified to rebuild the Cathedral.
Four structures have occupied the land, including Wren's current vision. All have been known as St. Paul's. Wren was adept at outwitting those who oversaw his work, to the continuing appreciation of the splendid city. Originally Wren's accepted plan did not include a dome. He was permitted to make changes as he saw fit and he used this "loophole" to add to the design, most importantly of all including the Dome. But for the actions of Wren, St. Paul's would not have the shape or the size that makes it the jewel in the crown of London's skyline.
At first in 1668 temporary repairs were made to "old" St. Paul's but the building was determined to be unsound and had to be demolished. Wren at first experimented with gunpowder but after numerous complaints changed to a battering ram. The current St. Paul's Cathedral was built between 1675 and 1710. Naturally the interior design has not remained static. Mosaics were added during the reign of Queen Victoria who found the interior drab. The interior is meant to be as beautiful as any royal palace for London's premiere church.
The Cathedral has been the location of several historic events including the funerals of Lord Nelson in 1806, The Duke of Wellington on November 18, 1852 and Sir Winston Churchill on January 30, 1965. The structure will forever be associated with "Royal" London as it was the host to the 80th and 100th Birthday Celebrations of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother; the Thanksgiving for the Silver Jubilee in 1977 and the Golden Jubilee in 2002 of HM Queen Elizabeth II, and of course it was the setting for the July 29, 1981 Royal Wedding of HRH The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer.
Visitors to St. Paul's Cathedral would be wise to bring a pair of binoculars to view the incredible dome up close. Look up and see the impressive work of Wren and know that above you is his legacy, below your feet in the crypt is his tomb. It was designed by his son and kept simplistic. How to honor a man who put his mark forever on one of the bustling world-class cities. A simple turn of phrase sufficed.
"Lector, Si Monumentum Requuis circumspice", which translates to "Reader, Look Around, This is my Monument".
Look closely and you'll see another famous English artisan's final resting place is beside Wren, Frederick Lord Leighton the noted painter. The crypt includes archaeological fragments pre-dating the Cathedral. St. Paul's and the City ExhibitionGuildhall Art Gallery
An Exciting display of period artwork focusing on the changing London skyline is currently on display at the Guildhall Art Gallery. The exhibit marks the 1,400th Anniversary of the Diocese of London. Among the highlights are an original drawing from the office of Sir Christopher Wren. William Marlow was known as an English landscape and marine painter. He experimented with capriccio and among his many works is a image of St. Paul's overlooking the Venetian Canal. A more realistic depiction of the famous Cathedral is included in the St. Paul's and the City Exhibition. The Very Reverend Dr. John Moses, The Dean of St. Paul's, explains "Sir Christopher Wren's cathedral has dominated the London skyline for the past 300 years, but we forget that it is the fourth of fifth building to stand on the site. We are all in the debt of the Guildhall Art Gallery for bringing together this exhibition which depicts the many ways in which artists have represented St Paul's over recent centuries." The Guildhall houses the Corporation of London's magnificent art collection. |
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