Oak lectern
Richard Norman Shaw
1882
St Michael & All Angels
Bedford Park, Turnham Green, London W4
In 1880 Shaw had been succeeded as estate architect for Bedford Park by his assistant E. J. May. However, the presentation of this lectern suggests that he continued to take a keen interest in the work going on here. The lectern itself is a solid piece, not over-elaborately carved, but very satisfyingly shaped: the bookrest slopes on both sides, making a triangle which echoes the shape of the base. There is a real sense of Shaw's pleasure in the wood itself, something that helps to explain his use of joinery throughout the Bedford Park estate.
Photograph and text by Jacqueline Banerjee