Shrewsbury Cathedral | front entrance

Description: A unique contemporary design inspired by historical design references within the Cathedral.

The new entrance to Shrewsbury Cathedral won a Shropshire Council Design and Conservation Award ‘Commendation’ in the New Design in the Historic Environment category. The work was part of a redevelopment programme to improve access into and out of the front entrance of the Grade II* Cathedral by EW Pugin completed 1856. The Ironwork Studio designed balustrade and gates to complete the entrance. With no appropriate historic ironwork for reference within the historic setting this was an opportunity for a new and bespoke design. Our proposal was designed to complement the original fabric of the building while not obsessively imitating it. For inspiration and historical reference, we based the design on a pointed quatrefoil, an abundant symbol in the cathedral, which as a common feature of gothic architecture had the added benefit of being representative to and symbolic of Catholic faith. To give the work a modern feel and sense of presence befitting a cathedral’s front and foremost entry, while also ensuring it wasn’t overtly fussy, we made the quatrefoils large and bold. Made from cast iron this allowed us the opportunity to make this a truly three dimension piece with plenty of moulded detailing. Painted in cobalt blue the colour represents the Virgin Mary, to whom the cathedral is dedicated, but also complements the overall setting.