Frank Roper: Candlestick and crucifix
Title: Candlestick and crucifix
Artist: Frank Roper (1914-2000, British)
Location: Church of the Holy Trinity, Christchurch, Newport (Church in Wales, Anglican Communion)
Roper’s candlesticks and crucifix are a two-tiered furnishing set upon a hexagonal base. The use of geometric shapes is again referenced in the lower tier through the use of the octagon. However, the smaller scale of this tier in comparison to the base may contribute to an emphasis of height. The upper tier is circular and performs as the base for the actual candle fixture and is stabilized by three intricate buttresses.
In response to the damage inflicted by the bombings of World War II, many of Roper’s (1914–2000, British) earliest works were commissioned as reparations to places of worship. A student of sculptor Henry Moore, Roper’s penchant for the medium led to significant commissions at St Martin’s in Roath, St Saviour’s in Splott, St Dyfrig and St Samson, as well as the cathedrals of Peterborough, Wells and Durham. Not limited to sculpture, Roper also engaged with stained glass with examples at the Church of St Mary in Margam, Christ Church in Ynysybwl and St Mary's in Pembrokeshire. Roper was awarded an MBE in 1991 for his services to art.
Further Information
Medium: Alumnium
Permanent display
See Roper’s Candlestick and crucifix on the Ecclesiart map here.
Other artworks in churches by Frank Roper: Virgin and Child, Church of St Augustine, Cardiff; I Am the Bread of Life, Church of St Mary, Neath Port Talbot; Martyrdom of St Thomas Becket, Church of St Thomas, Neath Port Talbot; Stations of the Cross, Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Carmarthenshire; Figures of Christ, Church of St Tydfil, Vale of Glamorgan; Virgin and Child, Church of St Saviour, Cardiff; Christ with the Doctors in the Temple, Church of St Saviour, Cardiff; The Resurrection, Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Carmarthenshire; Christ in Majesty, Church of St Illty, Rhondda Cynon Taff. See more information here.
Other modern/contemporary works of art in Church of the Holy Trinity: stained glass by Harry Stammers & Henry Harvey, and a reredos by Harry Stammers.
Related A+C journal article(s): Further details of Roper’s extensive work for churches can be found in the article on pp. 15–16 of Art and Christianity 98, Summer 2019.