Our design challenge We were very privileged to work with the project team at Wakefield Cathedral to design an altar and ambo as part of a major restoration project. Our brief was to design these new pieces of church furniture in keeping with the architectural surroundings but with the flexibility needed for a modern, […]
Our design challenge
We were very privileged to work with the project team at Wakefield Cathedral to design an altar and ambo as part of a major restoration project.
Our brief was to design these new pieces of church furniture in keeping with the architectural surroundings but with the flexibility needed for a modern, multi-use community space.
How we built the altar and ambo
Both the altar and ambo needed to be easy to move because the cathedral was being redesigned so that it could be used for many different community purposes, putting it back at the heart of city life.
The altar and ambo needed to be substantial enough to serve the church for generations and cope with being moved regularly to make space for other activities. Our creative director David worked closely with a Yorkshire clockmaker to develop moving components and casters that would support the weight of the structures whilst allowing them to be rolled smoothly from one part of the building to another.
Our design uses oak and burr oak and has a contemporary look without losing sight of its solemn purpose for prayer and worship.
We love
The Dean of Wakefield Cathedral described our oak and burr designs as “delightful”. We were very proud when he told the Church Times how pleased he was with the finished altar and ambo, saying: “We wanted quality furniture; we wanted to give something to successive generations. Whatever we put in had to complement the space and enhance it, if possible, tying together the old and the new.”
