Before and After: St. Patrick's Cathedral, Norwich, Connecticut

We are pleased to be able to present another installment in our 'before and after' series, this time coming by way of Canning Liturgical Arts and St. Patrick's Cathedral in Norwich, Connecticut. 

This particular project shows just how influential colour and design are to an architectural and liturgical space, for one of the very first things that jumps out at you as you compare the before and after states is have the space has moved from an architecturally impressive yet monochromatic space, to one which has come to life with colour -- colour which further accentuates the architectural form. 

You might wonder if stained glass windows were added behind the altar and ciborium, but this in fact is a painted triptych made to emulate the artistic effect of stained glass. Canning Liturgical Arts speaks of it accordingly:

An interesting challenge was the creation of a triptych for the back wall of the sanctuary that would simulate stained glass windows. Using a variety of gilding, transparent glazes, and metallic paint, our final product illuminates the sanctuary adding visual interest for the congregation and a majestic backdrop to the baldacchino.

A closer look:

In addition to this new work, Canning performed a historical paint analysis to undercover the original painted design which had since been restored to the cathedral in this restoration. But before we dwell on that, here, again, is a closer look at the before and after state:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

And here, a few details:

Our readership is often interested in the "before the before" view and here I would note that St. Patrick's Cathedral originally began its existence as a parish church rather than a cathedral. Here is a view of it from that time, as it stood earlier in the 20th century.

All said, a spectacular bit of work by Canning Liturgical Arts. For more information, please visit them on social media or via their website.