One of the things we have discussed here and elsewhere over the years is how important antependia (i.e. altar frontals) can be and indeed are They are important in their own right in the same way that sacred vestments are generally, functioning effectively as the paraments of the altar, both tying it to the particular liturgical day or season, and also drawing one's attention to the altar.
Our purpose today, however, is not to regurgitate the history and symbolism of antependia (for that, we would simply point you back to our article, The Historical, Theological, Liturgical and Artistic Case for Altar Frontals) but rather to highlight how effectively they can also be used to improve one's altar and sanctuary.
To do that, we are going to highlight some of the work of Penson Ecclesaistical Arts, an atelier based out of the United Kingdom. They have provided some images of their work in a 'before and after' sort of setting, showcasing what a particular altar/sanctuary looked like without one of their altar frontals, and then again with it. Effectively it is a kind of "before vs. after" presentation, similar to what LAJ does more generally with church renovations.
What you will see in each of their examples is not only the quality of Penson's work, but also the positive impact these antependia have on these particular liturgical spaces. In that regard it showcases why antependia are liturgically and symbolically important in the first place, and it also demonstrates how they can be used to augment altars and liturgical settings in a relatively inexpensive, yet impactful way.
With that in mind then, let's take a look at some of their 'before versus after' projects.
BEFORE VS. AFTER
I believe most of our readers will agree that the addition of antependia to these spaces has liturgically elevated the altars, sanctuaries, and churches generally, drawing our focus toward the altar, to the liturgical day or season, and also beautifying these spaces.
But since we are also discussing Penson Ecclesiastical Arts here, it would be a missed opportunity if we didn't present you with a quick look into some of their work more generally.
For more information, we'd invite you to visit Penson Ecclesiastical Arts website or you can also find them also on social media.
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