Imogen Stuart talks about creating a bronze crucifix for Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh.
The work of the German Irish sculptor Imogen Stuart is in churches around Ireland including Cork, Dublin, and Donegal. Her recognition as a liturgical artist meant Imogen Stuart was commissioned to create a crucifix for the sanctuary of Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh.
Eignhteen months later Catholic Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich blesses the sculpture depicting the risen Christ. The work is very different from a traditional crucifix and is described by the Cardinal as,
A work of great creativity which would contribute much to the prayerfulness of the congregation.
Imogen Stuart describes her thinking behind her design as,
Christ being the cross and the cross is the tree of life, the stem of Jesse and the Christ is the sort of sign of salvation and resurrection.
During the design process, Imogen Stuart brought full-size mock-ups to Armagh Cathedral, one traditional, and the other her unconventional design.
I am glad to say the Cardinal and all the priests, they all fell for the one I was very fond of.
When complete, the 6 ft 4 in (338cm x 210cm) bronze sculpture was towed on a trailer from Dublin to Armagh. The installation in Armagh Cathedral went smoothly. As the crucifix was hoisted up into position Imogen Stuart says she,
Almost got sick, you know the feeling, something is coming up and it’s going to be there for good.
Imogen Stuart is particularly pleased with how beautifully her sculpture harmonises with the neo-gothic architecture of the 150-year-old cathedral. While she tries to leave no elements to chance this occurrence was sheer luck,
That was the surprise, what I got thrown in.
Cardinal Ó Fiaich appreciates how the colour palette of the Crucifix blends perfectly with its surroundings,
It seems to fit in like a hand into a glove.
Imogen Stuart thinks this crucifix for the Armagh Cathedral will probably be the biggest cross she will ever make.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 October 1984. The reporter is Michael Fisher.
