The advent of September always brings thoughts -- for me at least -- of work beginning anew and as it has been awhile since we had checked in with some of our vestment designers, I thought it would be a good time to take a quick review of some of what they've been up to recently.
To begin with let's take a look at the Dowry Workshop, based out of England, who make their stock and trade from the design of vestments styled after the early gothic revival -- and in particular with the evident influence of A.W.N. Pugin. This particular set was in fact inspired by Pugin's Glossary of Ecclesiastical Ornament and Costume and includes embroidered floral motifs and monograms over the body of the chasuble.
Next we have Garry South (whom we have featured on here before) who pursues vestment work as a part time hobby (as, professionally, he full time he is a political strategist). Garry's work tends toward the gothic revival and this time he's shared a new cope with us that he designed and which C.M. Almy executed. The cream and green damasks come from Watt's & Co., London while the design on the hood was inspired by an antique design. The cope is presently in liturgical use for a parish of the Anglican Ordinariate.
Next we have Altarworthy. Altarworthy shared their Holy Trinity chasuble with us this past summer. This particular chasuble appears to use a printed (or possibly painted) textile for its orphrey which depicts the Holy Trinity Around the three arms that form the top of the cross are the Latin words "Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus" (Holy, holy, holy), completed at the bottom by the words "Dom[inus] Deus Sabaoth" (Lord God of Hosts). This chasuble is one of Altarworthy's regular offerings and they have completed it on different fabrics.
Another longstanding firm that needs no introduction is Watts and Co. of London. Watts unveiled the following Marian chasuble for the feast of the Assumption this past August. It comes in the truncated, semi-gothic form and includes a beautiful embroidered Marian monogram that is outlined Japanese gold thread set atop blue orphreys made in their Comper Cathedral silk.
Pluriarte Arte Sacro is based out of Spain and they have been hard at work producing what they produce best: vestments comprised of beautiful floral lampas fabrics. Here is one the offerings they shared with us this summer coming in a beautiful, delicate, buttery gold that is accented by rusty red, rose and purple.
Last but not least we take a look at Sacra Domus Aurea. The Italo-Roman style has been one of their particular areas of focus, but more recently they have been expanding to include works set in the 19th century French style, such as this recent work in red. The chasuble is made from a burgundy red velvet and includes gold embroideries that are set within a Parisian shaped cross that is made up by a metallic laid braid galloon. The end result is perfectly French.
Please do head on over and visit the pages of these designers and make certain to give them a like and a share.
