Patrick Caulfield: Organ casing
Title: Organ casing
Artist: Patrick Caulfield (1936–2005, British)
Location: Great West Organ, Portsmouth Cathedral (C of E)
Date: 2003
‘The organ is in the middle of the design – enfolded by a circle. This speaks of unity of sound and glory. It is a universally accessible symbol, as was specified in the artist’s brief. They themselves echo the Grassin case design which features a fish (or Ickthus) motif on the front of the closed case. The four fish – two on the left and two on the right are Christian symbols which, in turn, enfold the circle within.
The left side depicts night. On the left is a stylised depiction of a lighthouse shining on the sea. Here, there is a particular and universal reference. The particular reference is to the motto of the City of Portsmouth, “Heaven’s Light our Guide.” The universal reference is to God in the mandala (or lozenge) shape at the top of the lighthouse. This shape is used in Orthodox iconography to encompass Christ in Glory. The universal in the particular can also be described theologically as Incarnation.
The right side depicts day. On this side is the sun, and a depiction of the hull of a fishing vessel. The Portsmouth fishing fleet uses the identification P. It is also a play on the Christian monogram – Chi-Rho – the first two letters of Christ in Greek.’ (See: Portsmouth Cathedral)
The casing was painted to designs by Patrick Caulfield by Alan Murphy.
Patrick Caulfield (1936–2005, British) was associated with the British Pop Art movement which burgeoned in the 1960s and 70s. His paintings and prints are distinctively bold in colour, line and subject matter.
Further Information
Medium: Paint on wood
Permanent display
See Patrick Caulfield’s organ casing on the Ecclesiart map here.
Commissioner: Artwise