Our expertise in bespoke design for churches and schools has been called on again recently for a special project for a Yorkshire C of E primary school.
We were asked to make a free-standing table top cross that could be used for school services and celebrations. This beautiful handcrafted wooden cross is a gift from a parent and governor of the school and we are very privileged to have been approached to design it.
The Design
The design features three layers of wood which represent the Holy Trinity. The shape of the cross has been cut out to open up the centre and let the light shine through.
The cross has been made of solid English oak and maple. We used off-cuts of the oak we sourced to make a set of ceremonial chairs for Sheffield Cathedral. The chairs were made especially for the Queen when she visited the cathedral for the Royal Maundy Thursday ceremony, so this was a very special piece of oak.
Religious and school communities use their buildings in so many different ways throughout the year that there is a real need for furniture design to support flexibility, allowing the space to be adapted according to the occasion.
A timeless piece for the future
With its free-standing design, the cross is a versatile piece of furniture that can be used in various settings within the school for worship, celebrations and special events.
We are always very conscious of the solemn purpose of the furniture when we are designing for religious settings. This cross fulfils a practical need to adapt to whatever surroundings it is being used in yet retains a ceremonial presence and religious significance.
The timeless design is intended to allow the cross to transcend the generations, allowing it to be used by future pupils, teachers and groups that use the school and its building. We hope it will serve the school and its community for many years to come.