Geoffrey Clarke: High Altar cross
Title: High Altar cross
Artist: Geoffrey Clarke (1924-2014, British)
Location: Coventry Cathedral (C of E)
Date: 1960–62
Made from silver and plated with gold, this abstract work represents a phoenix rising from the ashes. At its heart is the original ‘cross of nails’, formed by three medieval nails which were part of the old cathedral’s roof. This cross of nails inspired the ministry for reconciliation and forgiveness based in the Cathedral today.
Geoffrey Clarke (1924-2014, British) studied at art school before serving in the second world war with the RAF after which he attended the Royal College of Art. The work commissioned for Coventry Cathedral (which includes three large nave windows, a suspended crown of thorns and the cross which tops the cathedral’s roof) gave impetus to his career and to the work that followed, much of which was commission-based. Clarke’s versatility in using different materials is also directly evident in his work at Coventry.
Further Information
Medium: Metal
Permanent display
See Clarke’s High altar cross on the Ecclesiart map here.
Commissioner: Dean and Chapter of Coventry Cathedral
Other artworks in churches by Geoffrey Clarke: High Altar candlesticks, cross and candlesticks for the Undercroft, Crown of Thorns, Flying Cross and nave windows, 1952–62, Coventry Cathedral; four stained glass windows, 1960, Treasury, Lincoln Cathedral; font and altar, 1976, All Souls, Langham Place, London; altar rail and candlesticks, 1962, Chichester Cathedral; sculpture for Bishop Otter College, Chichester, 1962