Westminster Mosaics

According to the Catholic Herald Westminster Cathedral have published a scheme for mosaics for the rest of the Cathedral. Just click here for the plan. Among the scholars involved were , Fr Aidan Nichols, the Dominican, Dr Eamon Duffy, a historian at Cambridge and author of "Stripping of the Altars", and Andrew Wilton, a distinguished art historian and research fellow at Tate Britain.

I was pleased that Dr Duffey said,

"... modern mosaic schemes are often frightful, like something out of Walt Disney."

I suspect he was referring to the latest image of the Holy Family, which seems to be attempt at a sentimentalised family portrait rather than a theological statement.

Pelerin, who drew my attention to this piece, was concerned by the inclusion of pagans. I am not sure I agree with her, I want the Dies Irae at my funeral, precisely because of the refernces to pagans, who prophecy the coming of Christ, or point to the Natural Law, references sadly lacking in post-concilliar liturgy.

Its vast eschatological sweep is emphasised by a pattern of colour that proceeds from green and blue through to red and finally, at the consummation of the world, to gold. Alongside pagans such as Plato, Lucretius and Zoroaster, the design also includes a representation of Buddha.

I think it seems a good scheme, and a tribute to Mgr Mark Langham who recently annonced his retirement as Administrator.