St Matthews Church Ardwick: Reredos

MANCHESTER - On Easter Eve the reredos erected in St. Matthew’s Church, Ardwick, Manchester, in memory of the first and late rector, was unveiled immediately before the evening service. The central feature is a cross of white alabaster, 6 feet high, with a background of red veined marble, and which stands under a boldly -projecting canopy supported by shafts. At either side of this central cross and canopy are two arches with back-grounds of coloured alabaster, and which contain carving emblematical of the eight Beatitudes. On each side of the head of the canopy are five cusped arches. A battlemented cornice completes the structure at the top. Immediately above the Communion-table is a shelf of red marble; and beneath the foot of the cross are carved the words “ Till He Come.” The narrow spaces between the reredos and the north and south walls of the sanctuary are filled with a diaper of terra-cotta and stone. The design has been made by Messrs. Medland & Henry Taylor, architects, of Manchester. The work has been carried out by Messrs. Earp & Hobbs, under the superintendence of the architect.

Reference           Builder 11 April 1885 page 531