Altar, Church of St. Francis, West Gorton, Manchester

A new high altar and reredos is in course of construction at St. Francis Church, West Gorton. It is being worked on the spot under the superintendence oi Brother Patrick, O.S.F. When completed it will be ono of the largest in England. It is designed by Messrs. Pugin and Pugin, of Westminster. [Building News 9 January 1885 page 72]

ALTAR, ST. FRANCIS’ CHURCH, WEST GORTON, MANCHESTER - This church has been redecorated and a new high altar has been placed in the chancel; the altar is the subject of one of our illustrations. In this altar, the steps to the throne follow the line of chancel, which is apsidal in form. In front of these steps is the reredos, stepping upon each side, forming a buttress to the great central canopy, which rises to a height of over 40ft. The base of this is of Irish marble; above this is a dado of alabaster in narrowed curves; over this is a moulded string course of black marble. The reredos on either side is divided into three bays. The lower part is filled with marble panels with quartefoil and trefoil heads. Over these panels is carved the word Sanctus." Above this is the reredos, composed of open tracery with cinque-foil and trefoil heads; over each of these panels is a crocketed gable terminating with a finial. Between each of these bays 18 a pedestal, on which are angels adoring. The bottom of this reredos is formed of two large piers. In the lower portion of the pier, on the Epistle side, is the piscina; in the one on the Gospel side, the ambry. On the top of these piers aro canopied niches, which are supported on marble columns. In these niches are figures of St. Anthony, St. Clare, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, and St. Bonaventure. The lower parts of these piers are of marble and alabaster. Connecting these piers with the walls of chancel, on either side, are arches with traceried and crocketed gables. These arches die into a half pier against the wall. The centre canopy is supported by marble columns, with alabaster back and sides. On each side are flying buttresses, formed of open tracery work. At the bottom of these buttresses are piers, which terminate in niches, with tracery and canopied head supported on marble columns. In the niche on Gospel side is a figure of St. Francis; on the Epistle side, St. Dominic. The throne, which is supported by two angels, is placed immediately under the central canopy, and approached by steps at the back of the reredos. The wall at the back of the throne is carved with pateras.t The altar and tabernacle stand away from the reredos, and arc approached by three stone steps. The altar top is of pure white marble and is supported by eight Californian marble shafts. Beneath the altar are panels, on which subjects emblematical of the Blessed Sacrament have been carved. The super altars and pedestals at side are of alabaster, the tops of St. Anne's marble. The tabernacle is of alabaster, richly moulded and carved. The door is of beaten brass, with a square head, placed in an arched recess. Immediately above the door is carved the word Sanctus," and over this a pelican. The crocketed gable is supported by two shafts of Californian marble. The gable terminates with a carved alabaster cross. The altar and reredos, which is said to be one of the largest in England, were designed by Messrs. Pugin and Pugin. The work has been successfully carried out by Brother Patrick, O.S.F. The sculpture and carving was executed by Mr. Boulton, of Cheltenham. The church was reopened on Sunday last, July 5th. [Building News 10 July 1885 page 52]

Reference    Building News 9 January 1885 page 72
Reference    Building News 10 July 1885 page 52