FDA-A.78-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-A.78-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
College Chapel Lectern
Description
Brass lectern decorated with the symbols of the Evangelists and three lions
Comments
'The beautiful of brass lectern, which had escaped the destructive zeal of the early Reformers, was removed from the Church in 1650, but it has been preserved uninjured.'
Footnote: 'Eton Audit Book, 1649-1650. "For removing the brazen desk from the Chappell 6d."'
[Source: Maxwell Lyte, Sir H.C., 'A History of Eton College. 1440-1875...', 1875, p.248, illustrated on p.248]
'The Lectern dates from the fifteenth century, and was nearly destroyed by the Puritans in 1651, when the College paid sixpence for its removal. For a long time it stood as a curious relic in the Ante-Chapel, and it is only in comparatively recent times that it has been taken into use again. The reading-desk [or the book rest of the lectern] is hollow and perforated with many apertures. At the corners of the desk are the emblems of the four Evangelists, and in the centre on each side within a circular border and a series of open arches, is a shield of arms which is incorrect and must be later in date, viz. party per fess and per pale, in chief dexter a fleur de lis, sinister a lion rampant, in base three lilies slipped. At the top of the border, on one side is "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," and below it "I.H.S."; and on the other, "In Terris Pax" above, with "Mercy" below. A heavy metal screen has been superimposed to tilt the book more conveniently.'
[Source: An Illustrated Guide to Eton College / Eton Guide, R. A. Austen-Leigh, 1930, p.77]
Although made for use in College Chapel, it seems this lectern was employed in the Lower Chapel at Eton College for a time, as noted in the Eton College Chronicle:
'Lower Chapel, again, though possessed of no very high architectural beauties, contains one very remarkable object, in the shape of a very fine brass lectern, part of the original furniture of Upper Chapel, which at present perhaps hardly enjoys that prominence which it merits.'
[Source: Eton College Chronicle, No.337, Saturday, October 29, 1881, p.1348]
In 1843, stained-glass artist and writer on heraldry Thomas Willement (1786-1871) was paid £15 by Eton College for 'Repair.g, clean.g & polish.g [the] Brass Lectern with new Battlements on Ridge and Stops for Books, ingrav.g inscriptions & c.'
[See: Ledger, 1841-1865 by Thomas Willement (1786-1871), National Art Library, Ref.: 86.ZZ.169]
Footnote: 'Eton Audit Book, 1649-1650. "For removing the brazen desk from the Chappell 6d."'
[Source: Maxwell Lyte, Sir H.C., 'A History of Eton College. 1440-1875...', 1875, p.248, illustrated on p.248]
'The Lectern dates from the fifteenth century, and was nearly destroyed by the Puritans in 1651, when the College paid sixpence for its removal. For a long time it stood as a curious relic in the Ante-Chapel, and it is only in comparatively recent times that it has been taken into use again. The reading-desk [or the book rest of the lectern] is hollow and perforated with many apertures. At the corners of the desk are the emblems of the four Evangelists, and in the centre on each side within a circular border and a series of open arches, is a shield of arms which is incorrect and must be later in date, viz. party per fess and per pale, in chief dexter a fleur de lis, sinister a lion rampant, in base three lilies slipped. At the top of the border, on one side is "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," and below it "I.H.S."; and on the other, "In Terris Pax" above, with "Mercy" below. A heavy metal screen has been superimposed to tilt the book more conveniently.'
[Source: An Illustrated Guide to Eton College / Eton Guide, R. A. Austen-Leigh, 1930, p.77]
Although made for use in College Chapel, it seems this lectern was employed in the Lower Chapel at Eton College for a time, as noted in the Eton College Chronicle:
'Lower Chapel, again, though possessed of no very high architectural beauties, contains one very remarkable object, in the shape of a very fine brass lectern, part of the original furniture of Upper Chapel, which at present perhaps hardly enjoys that prominence which it merits.'
[Source: Eton College Chronicle, No.337, Saturday, October 29, 1881, p.1348]
In 1843, stained-glass artist and writer on heraldry Thomas Willement (1786-1871) was paid £15 by Eton College for 'Repair.g, clean.g & polish.g [the] Brass Lectern with new Battlements on Ridge and Stops for Books, ingrav.g inscriptions & c.'
[See: Ledger, 1841-1865 by Thomas Willement (1786-1871), National Art Library, Ref.: 86.ZZ.169]
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 1770mm
diameter (base): 570mm
depth (actual size): 600mm
diameter (base): 570mm
depth (actual size): 600mm
Materials & techniques note
Bras with enamelled decoration
Physical description
Brass lectern with crocketed top decorated with the symbols of the four Evangelists
Pierced centre with the College arms and motto 'In Terris Pax'
Two later adjustable candle-branches and baluster spreading circular shaft
Triple recumbent Romanesque lion feet
Pierced centre with the College arms and motto 'In Terris Pax'
Two later adjustable candle-branches and baluster spreading circular shaft
Triple recumbent Romanesque lion feet
Style
Late Medieval
Production
Date
Late 15th century
Note
English
History and association
Associated object
Object history note
Provenance: Probably commissioned for Eton College Chapel
