Salisbury Cathedral unveils artist commissioned altars

The stone base of the octagonal Spire Crossing altar is inscribed with a text from St Matthew's Gospel

After more than a decade of planning, a cathedral has formally unveiled two new altars.

The structures at Salisbury Cathedral were commissioned by sculptor William Pye and furniture maker Luke Hughes.

The altars were consecrated by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Stephen Lake, during a ceremony earlier.

Mr Pye said the detailed structures aim to "mirror the materials, architecture and magnificence of the space."

The bronze section of the Spire Crossing altar is inscribed with the eight 'O' Antiphons, sung around Christmas

The commissioning process to design the altars was launched in response to a Liturgical Plan drafted in 2014.

In 2018, Mr Hughes won the design competition and collaborated with Mr Pye after agreeing that the structures should echo Mr Pye's original font, installed at Salisbury Cathedral in 2008.

"I wanted the altars to feel intimate, using the words and symbols that have been inscribed around the base to capture the inner, individual experience of faith as well as the shared experience," Mr Pye said.

Mr Pye said his design drew from the architecture and icons found inside the cathedral

"Just as the font has become part of the visitor experience and worship, I hope these two new altars will also form part of that experience," he added.

The practical implications of the design also had to be considered, ensuring the altars were sturdy yet easy to dismantle and move if necessary.

The altars were installed piece by piece in December

Mr Hughes said: "My passion lies in creating and crafting 'furniture' that enhances ancient spaces like Salisbury Cathedral.

"In this case I not only had to respond to the building, but also to William Pye's design. So the challenge was practical as well as aesthetic," he added.

The finished altars were installed respectively in the Trinity Chapel, where prayer is held every morning, and in the Spire Crossing where the principal Sunday services are held.

Celebrating their official installation, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said:

"We are delighted with the work of these two exceptional artists and craftsmen, which so beautifully and simply complements the aesthetic and design of the cathedral."

The altar in the Trinity Chapel carries an inscription from poem The Altar by George Herbert