Robert Ingham Designs @ St Asaph Cathedral

About the Nave Altar

The design for the new Nave Altar for St Asaph Cathedral is Robert Ingham’s response to a request made by the Dean, The Very Reverend Chris Potter. He asked for a modern piece which brought the church service closer to the congregation. The configuration of the new seating in the Cathedral, set around the Nave Altar in a broad arc, suggested an oval shape for the top, the use of plate glass meeting the request for lightness and transparency.

This in turn prompted the use of an open structure with glass panels in the three upright frames. The combination produced a light, ethereal focal point through which the High Altar could be seen. The frame is made from bleached oak and the glass panels, which carry a sand blasted image of a Celtic cross, are suspended in patinated brass spigots.

The timber for the Nave Altar was donated by The Oak Frame Company of St Asaph and the sand blasted glass panels were donated by Pilkington Glass.

A 50% grant towards the cost of the Nave Altar was received from Denbighshire County Council’s Community Capital Grants Scheme.

St Asaph Cathedral extends its grateful thanks to all three for their valuable support.

About the lectern

The lectern that accompanies the nave altar is Robert Ingham’s personal gift to St Asaph Cathedral. Of simple folding construction, adjustable in angle to accommodate various heights of clergy, it is made in fumed oak to connect visually with the bases of the altar legs. The pivot caps are in patinated brass, which echoes the pegs supporting the glass panels on the nave altar.

About Robert Ingham

Robert Ingham has an international status as a teacher, designer and craftsman. As Principal of Parnham College for many years he was responsible for a generation of Britain’s best known young designer/makers.

Robert has now set up his own workshop in North Wales, where he makes one-of-a-kind furniture to commission and small batches of very special collectable boxes.