The Historic Collections of St Paul's Cathedral - Simon Carter

TL;DR

St. Paul's Cathedral has a diverse collection of historic and contemporary items that have supported its mission throughout its 1,400-year history.

Transcript

great it's lovely to be here and it's very well it's good to be able to bring the collections of some pauls to a to an audience beyond the walls of the cathedral um because so much um of our collections is uh tucked away uh and uh sort of hidden there are hidden treasures um so hopefully tonight i'll be able to reveal a few of those as well as show... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎟️ St. Paul's Cathedral has a vast and diverse collection of objects that have contributed to its mission throughout its history.
• 🛟 The collections are organized into the library, chapter archive, and object collection, each providing unique insights into different aspects of the cathedral's life.
• 🏬 The preservation and accessibility of the collections are ensured through the efforts of a dedicated collections department and volunteers.

Questions & Answers

Q: What types of objects are included in the collections of St. Paul's Cathedral?

The collections encompass a wide range of objects, including arms dishes, historic wallpaper, book covers, monuments, mosaics, and stained glass windows, among others.

Q: How have the collections of St. Paul's Cathedral been preserved and made accessible?

The cathedral has a dedicated collections department consisting of a librarian, archivist, conservator, and collections manager, as well as volunteers. They work together to ensure the preservation and accessibility of the collections through conservation efforts, cataloging, and the development of a searchable database.

Q: What is the significance of the William Tyndale Bible in the cathedral's library collection?

The William Tyndale Bible is one of the most important items in the cathedral's library collection. It was the first English-language Bible to appear in print and played a pivotal role in shaping the English language. Despite being incognito when it arrived at the cathedral, its cultural significance is now widely recognized.

Q: How have proposed schemes of decoration influenced the cathedral's collections?

Several proposed schemes of decoration, including those by Frederick Lord Leighton and William Burgess, have enriched the collections. Although these schemes were never realized, the watercolor designs, architectural models, and cartoons associated with them provide valuable insights into the cathedral's history and artistic ambitions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• St. Paul's Cathedral houses a diverse collection of objects, ranging from arms dishes to historic wallpaper, that seem unrelated but have all contributed to the life and mission of the cathedral.

• The cathedral's collections include historical artifacts, contemporary commissions, and important documents such as service papers and chapter minutes.

• The collections are organized into the library, chapter archive, and object collection, each providing valuable insights into the history and administration of the cathedral.