Chichester Workshop for Liturgical Art

Sarum Vespers and Benediction, 6pm on Friday March 1st, 2024, the Feast of St Chad of Mercia, in Princeton University Chapel, co-sponsored by Scala Foundation

Sarum Vespers and Benediction, 6pm on Friday March 1st, 2024, the Feast of St Chad of Mercia, in Princeton University Chapel, co-sponsored by Scala Foundation

The Use of Sarum is a form of the Roman Rite, sung in Latin, that goes back to pre-Reformation England and which is rooted in the the ancient worship of Salisbury Cathedral. Sarum is an archaic name for the city of Salisbury. This characteristically English style of worship became the foundation subsequently for pattern of Anglican worship, and the Book of Common Prayer. As such, it has been a strong early forming influence on contemporary Anglo-American culture and society and so its appeal reaches across the spectrum of faith and denominations. This promises to be an excellent opportunity to show the Faith in action to all, in an attractive and dignified way.

Martin Earle of the Chichester Workshop of Liturgical Art Wins Major Award in US

Martin Earle of the Chichester Workshop of Liturgical Art Wins Major Award in US

This is the future of Catholic art! Margarita and I at the Scala Foundation have been energetically promoting the work of Martin Earle and Jim Blackstone at the Chichester Workshop.

A Contemporary Mosaic of St Dominic in Chichester Cathedral

Here are some photos of recently mosaic of St Dominic, completed just a year ago. It was commissioned by the Anglican Bishop of Chichester, Right Reverend Dr Martin Warner. It was done by artist Jim Blackstone in a three month residency at the cathedral. During the residency, James worked alongside fellow liturgical artist Martin Earle within a custom-built studio. The project was developed with celebrated liturgical artist Aidan Hart.

Aidan, Martin and Jim who are Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican respectively have recently established a new studio and liturgical art school -The Chichester Workshop for Liturgical Arts- under the patronage of Bishop Warner. 

Saint Richard (Bishop of Chichester, 1244–1253) was prepared for the priesthood by the Dominican Order in Orléans and St Dominic’s apostolic spirituality informed his ministry across the Diocese of Chichester.Read more about the commission on the Cathedral website here. 

An Artistic Feeding of the Five Thousand: The New Chichester Workshop for Liturgical Art

An Artistic Feeding of the Five Thousand: The New Chichester Workshop for Liturgical Art

The experience of Aidan Hart, Martin Earle and Jim Blackstone and their apprentices is that a community of Christian artists working together harmoniously, produces more beautiful work, in less time and at lower cost than the stereotypical Bohemian loner in his artist’s garret.