In 1999 the Chaplaincy commissioned lettering artist Peter
Furlonger to create a glass candlestand for use during
calligraphy retreats on Holy Island (Lindisfarne). His
design for a 12 inch bowl — with its blue-violet
cased top and blue-grey powder colour underneath —
was carried out by glass artist Neil Wilkin. Candles can
be placed around the rim of the bowl and floated in the
central well.
Furlonger
sandblasted the lettering onto both top and bottom surfaces
using a style that draws appropriately on that of the
Lindisfarne Gospels. Additional decoration includes a
wave pattern, which refers to the island setting of the
retreats, and an outer motif in the form of simplified
Celtic knot-work.
The
thickness of the glass means that it is normally impossible
to read all the lettering at the same time. The glass
must be turned in the hand and reveals itself differently
according to the light, thus creating the sense of mystery
intended by the artist.
For
further information contact Robert
Cooper
