Saint Andrew's Church, Roker is one of those architectural gems which takes your breath away.
 | | Reverend Stockton works in the midst of treasures |
Celebrations have just begun to mark its centenary and they will be continuing right through the year and into next Spring. So why is this majestic and "traditional-looking" building, just a little way back from Roker seafront, so special? Well, not for nothing has it been dubbed "the Arts and Crafts Cathedral" of the North East, possessing a tapestry across its altar which has attracted envious glances from one of this country's most popular composers. St Andrew's was designed by the architect Edward Prior and built of local Marsden limestone, giving it a massive, solid structure. Interestingly, once inside, the space opens and you become aware of no interior pillars which would otherwise be likely to spoil the view, or around which you can hide! Its fortress-like appearance belies the interior, which gives great attention to texture and form; it is beautiful in its simplicity and for its detailed craftsmanship. The most eye-catching part of the Sanctuary is the Tapestry, a Burne Jones design based on the visit of the three kings to the manger in Bethlehem. | "The tapestry was produced by William Morris and is a copy of the tapestry made for Exeter College, Oxford at the end of the 19th Century" | |
The tapestry was produced by William Morris and is a copy of the tapestry made for Exeter College, Oxford at the end of the 19th Century. It is this work of art that caught the eye of Andrew Lloyd-Webber, an avid collector of Pre-Raphaelite art who, during a visit, asked the rector, the Reverend Doctor Ian Stockton, if ever the church was sold he would dearly love to buy the tapestry. (It's thought he was only half joking as well) I merely touch on what there is to see inside this beautiful edifice to Christian worship - how many churches for instance can boast a William Morris carpet that is regularly walked on, or stained-glass windows designed by Burne-Jones, Cross and Candlesticks designed by Grimson? Incidentally, there are plenty of clues about that relate to Sunderland's shipbuilding past. In the nave, it has been said that the great transverse arches give rise to the impression of the ribs and keel of an upturned boat. It has to be said it is not an original idea as a similar design from Prior was used in another, smaller church 15 years earlier near Bridport in Dorset. There's plenty to see in this intriguing, beautiful church which is open regularly during the week with people on hand to point out its features. | 
