Client: Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, UK

Overview

Crystal baptism bowl for Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, GB. The bowl was created to be placed in the cathedral’s baroque font made in the 17th century from white marbel. It was created under the theme “Living Water”. In the middle is swirling pattern, suggesting water. Around the rim is a wreath of engraved oak leaves as a reference to the cathedral’s patron saint St. Frideswide (often depicted among oak trees).

The bowl was crafted at Kosta glassworks in Sweden using traditional craft techniques. The method used to create the water pattern was known already in ancient Egypt.

Goals

The bowl was commissioned to be a modern addition to the antique font.

Process

The project was developed in close collaboration with the people of the cathedral. Several conversations were held with different actors in order to understand different expectations and needs.