Fresco with Angels at St Martin's, Low Marple, by John Dando Sedding

[Victorian Web Home —> The Arts and Crafts Movement —> Architecture —> Churches —> J. D. Sedding]

Panel with Angels

J. D. Sedding

c. 1870

South wall of the choir

St. Martin's Church, Low Marple, nr Stockport

This unusual panel, a raised piece with a metal frame, is in muted natural, earthy tones, with careful detailing (each feather of the wings is distinct, and the pattern on the right-hand angel's robes disappears convincingly into the folds). [Commentary continues below.]

Photograph and caption material by Michael Critchlow, who provided the information from the church notes; text and formatting by Jacqueline Banerjee.

You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL or cite the Victorian Web in a print document. [Click on the image to enlarge it.]

This piece is very much of its time. The Pre-Raphaelite influence is obvious. But an interest in different kinds of wall decoration was another trend during this period. According to the church notes, there is a possible connection with Heywood Sumner, who specialised in sgraffito. It is just the sort of work that he and his contemporaries were currently experimenting with. For example, it is also rather reminiscent of Baron de Triqueti's tarsia (incised marble inlay) work that was causing something of a stir at the new Albert Memorial Chapel, Windsor, at just this time. [Please mouse over the text, here and above, for links.]

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Created 5 September 2016