An update on a previous 'before and after we wrote about at the beginning of 2024, focused on Holy Innocents in Long Beach, California. In that article we detailed the work that Harrison Design pursued at this particular church.
The very best refresher, of course, are simply to remind our readers of what came before, which was a rather uninspiring design fixated in the period of the 1970's and 1980's.
BEFORE
After Harrison Design got to work, we ended up with a much more classical and traditional sanctuary ordering, complete with a new main altar as well as an altar rail.
AFTER No. 1
That, in a nutshell, is where our previous coverage ended. In terms of where we pick up from here, in reality there is really one primary change to make note of, which is the stencilled patterns now found behind the high altar. This may strike some as a rather small detail to bother turning into a follow up article, but I believe that it is a fantastic case study in the power of stencilled ornament.
To that end, do compare how the small addition of some simple gilt crosses transform the entire look and feeling of the altar and its surrounding space.
AFTER No. 2
A side by side comparison perhaps even better captures the powerful effect.
The lesson? Attention to details, even very small one's, can make for a powerful impact in the beauty and nobility of the liturgical arts.
For more information, please visit Harrison Design's website or visit them on social media.
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