Eric Gill - Guildford Cathedral
Although the Cathedral was not dedicated until 1961, design work by Sir Edward Maufe [1883-1974 who also designed the 1932 Broadcasting House] dated back to the 1930s. Construction started in 1936 on the foundations and the Crypt, followed by the Chancel at the east end of the Cathedral in 1938. It was at this time that Eric Gill worked with Maufe and he completed the figure of St John the Baptist and the Diocesan Coat of Arms. Eric Gill and Maufe worked together on the design of the Crucifixion sculpture over the Rose Window, but Eric died before its completion. The work was finally carved by his pupil, Anthony Foster.
Activity then virtually stopped on the Cathedral because of the war and building restrictions after the war. It was not until 1955 that work started again in earnest with the construction of the Nave. Dedication of the building was in 1961, some thirty years after design work started and twenty-one years after Gill's death.
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Guildford Cathedral, on Stag Hill, Guildford viewed from the west end. On the southern side of the building there are two stone carvings by Eric Gill who also designed the sculpture above the rose window in the east wall. |
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| Above the south door the figure of St. John the Baptist | ||
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| Above the door of St. Ursula's porch the Diocesan Coat of Arms. The shepherd's crook denote that this door is also known as the Bishop's entrance. | ||
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| Sculpture above the rose window high in the east wall carved by Anthony Foster based on the design by Eric Gill | ||
