Since its construction, the Abbey Church has been central to the life of our monastic community. It provides a sanctuary, enhancing the experience of prayer for all who use it - monks, school, parish and our many other visitors. Francis Pollen’s inspirational building was in need of renovation, and now Heatherwick Studio’s design restores the church interior, and completes the e ffect with new furniture.
In particular, you will be struck by the beautiful curving furniture. This is made in solid walnut with an ash line and fabricated in England by Swift Horsman Ltd. Previously, the congregation sat on loose clusters of chairs, and these have been replaced by fixed pews.
New fixed pews
Loose chairs in the monastic choir have been replaced with new purpose-built choir stalls, providing enough seating for the full community in a single piece of furniture. The design is a modern version of a traditional idea, with support from high armrests and tip-up ‘misericord’ seats. More photos and an appreciation can be found HERE
The new choir stalls being demonstrated before the reopening Vespers
The area in which the choir sits has been reconstructed to unite the monks in their prayer, and lowered to bring them closer to the congregation. A brick floor improves acoustics for the monks’ singing.
We finally have a new permanent stone ambo on the sanctuary and water stoups at the entrances. Both have been crafted in Portland stone and re flect the design of the altar and baptismal font.
The new stone Ambo being blessed by Abbot Kevin
The holy water stoup in the main entrance, designed by Francis Pollen
Lighting and sound systems were not of a good standard, and have been completely renewed. The new lighting scheme adds feature lighting to the ceiling, and emergency lights for improved safety, with easy switching of settings for di fferent occasions. The new sound system overcomes the technical problems associated with a church ‘in the round’ and provides quality sound and a new hearing loop. The organ system has also been fully refurbished and improved.
Reinforced concrete surfaces throughout the Church were patchy and discoloured from the time of construction, and had su ffered further over time. These now look better than ever, having been comprehensively cleaned and treated for ageing. In addition, all the lantern and clerestory windows have been replaced.
Fronting the balcony, a new walnut fascia improves acoustics and uni fies the appearance of the church. The balcony floor has been reconstructed, and is now robust and quiet to walk on.
The confessional boxes were unusable in their previous state, and so have been replaced by four new reconciliation rooms, a transformation in the quality of the environment for this sacrament.
The result of all these works is a stunning interior which unites and enfolds all who will use the Church in a spirit of prayer and peace. As you visit this church you will see a building which gives a strong witness to the value of monastic life today and is a physical testimony to the spirit of prayer at the heart of the Christian Church.
The work you see today has been funded by donations from generous benefactors. There is still a gap between the funds raised and the costs. If you wish to help us to close the gap, or support us in our future work, we would be very grateful. Our long-term aim is to improve the wider Abbey site to a similar standard to that of the Abbey Church. In particular, we wish to improve the site entrance, monastery building and guest facilities.
Reopened June 2011
The artists impressions of last year have now come to life (see below for photos).
Artist's Impression from the new Congregational Seating
Renewed church in use June 2011
Artist's Impression from the Font
Artist's Impression of the new Monastic Choir
N.B. Photography by Christina Chelmick. All images are Copyright © 2011 of Worth Abbey and may not be reproduced without permission. Contact: Fr Patrick Fludder. All rights reserved.