Building record 1160/476/1 - St Matthew's Church

1891-4 by Mathew Holding, in roughly C13 style, of squared rubble and ashlar, Welsh slated roof.

{1} 1891-4 by Mathew Holding, in roughly C13 style, of squared rubble and ashlar, Welsh slated roof. Large tall building with transepts, apsed chancel and north west tower with spire. Vaulted chancel; timber roof to nave, trusses on stone arches with lightly pierced spandrels. Some good stained glass, approximately same date as building. North transept stone sculpture, Madonna and Child, 1944 by Henry Moore. South transept painting, Crucifixion, 1946 by Graham Sutherland.

{3} The article describes the history of both the maquette held by the Tate and the finished sculpture in St Matthews, giving a detailed account of the original commision, sources and development. The sculpture developed from Moore’s wartime Shelter Drawings but also drew upon Renaissance depictions of the Holy Family. When the full-size sculpture was unveiled it provoked considerable controversy, prompting public debates about the suitability of modern art styles for religious subjects.

{4} Three photos dated 1990;

1944, Programme for the unveiling and dedication of the statue Madonna and Child, St. Matthew's Church, 19 February 1944, accessed 29 June 2021 (Manuscript). SNN112539.

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 14/135 (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> 1976, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), H14 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN1000.

<3> Sutton, R, 2012, Maquette for Madonna and Child 1943, cast 1944–5 by Henry Moore OM, CH, Accessed 29/06/2021 (Website). SNN112538.

<4> Photographs of buildings in Northampton (Photographs). SNN114989.

Record last edited

Jul 12 2023 12:20PM