REREDOS (ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL)
PROJECT SUMMARY
Barnes Construction & Joinery was engaged to design and create a gothic wood carved installation (a reredos) for the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament at St John’s Cathedral. A reredos is a large altarpiece, screen, or decoration placed behind the altar in a church.
SKILLS SHOWCASED
Ecclesiastical Carving, Polychrome Woodwork, Gothic Design
LOCATION
Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament – St John’s Cathedral
PROJECT TIMEFRAME
2018 – 2019
CLIENT
St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The reredos was being built for an altar that was originally part of the pro-cathedral. This altar had been restored by Barnes Construction & Joinery as part of a previous commission and we also built the accompanying tabernacle.
The project involved the development of a design, gaining approval from St John’s, applying for approval from the Cathedral Fabric Commission, creating the piece and conducting the installation. The reredos was consecrated by the Church in 2019.
The design developed by Jack Barnes, included a stainless steel safe at the base to house the sacraments, intricate wood carving using Queensland maple and polychrome woodwork using gesso oil paints and 24 carat gold leaf.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- This was an opportunity for Jack Barnes to demonstrate his knowledge of gothic design and artistic talent to produce a unique piece that is both practical and beautiful