Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmund's, Falinge
Set Square Detail
The Masonic Lecturn at Saint Edmund's is the fulcrum of the whole architectural scheme. It is the architectural and probably the masonic (although I wouldn't know - I am not a mason)centre of the church. Whilst walking around the church over the past few weeks I have always been drawn to it. Firstly, because of its reflective qualities which picks up the light from the south transept window. This forms a real contrast against the shade of the chancel.Secondly, because of its unusual sharp and angular shape, which gives it masculinity and robustness of form. It is a real success within the spatial hierarchy of the church and wherever you go it provides a strong punctuation within the syntax of the structure.
The lecturn stands on block of white ashlar which holds the inscription "FROM CLEMENT THE FOUNDERS SON 1871". This in turn stands on a black block of marble. The 'legs' of the lecturn are formed of three columns - doric, ionic and corinthian. The lecturn itself is made up of the 'symbolic tools of masoncraft'. (Pevsner). The base is made up of fretwork which includes pomegranates, lilies and intertwined snakes. On top of this the lecturn is made out of square and compasses.
I have created a separate photoset for the lecturn so that it can be studied in detail
Here is a link to all my other images of Saint Edmund's.
