The Great Screen
This magnificent screen was erected by Bishop Fox of Winchester in 1520. Although the general appearance of the screen, with three broad rich bands of carvings and statuary, is that of the original, most of the detail is from later periods.
Whether all the original statues were ever installed is uncertain, as the screen was completed within a decade of the Reformation when such statues were forbidden. The small carvings of the Lamb of God and the pelican (a badge of Bishop Fox) immediately above the rows of angels are probably original, as are some of the bases of the niches. The small carvings in the corners of the two doorways, showing hunting scenes, may also be original.
In 1703 the screen was concealed by a painted wooden screen with the Lord's Prayer, Creed, the Ten Commandments, a dove descending with a group of cherubs 'heads' and topped with flaming urns.
This screen was removed in 1833, and the niches restored and three rows of carved angels added.
The statues were added from 1905 onwards and depict people with an historical connection to Southwark.
In 1930, the lower portion was gilded and a new panel showing the Greek and Latin Fathers of the Church was added. This was inspired by a panel in St Mark's, Venice.
The Great Screen
This magnificent screen was erected by Bishop Fox of Winchester in 1520. Although the general appearance of the screen, with three broad rich bands of carvings and statuary, is that of the original, most of the detail is from later periods.
Whether all the original statues were ever installed is uncertain, as the screen was completed within a decade of the Reformation when such statues were forbidden. The small carvings of the Lamb of God and the pelican (a badge of Bishop Fox) immediately above the rows of angels are probably original, as are some of the bases of the niches. The small carvings in the corners of the two doorways, showing hunting scenes, may also be original.
In 1703 the screen was concealed by a painted wooden screen with the Lord's Prayer, Creed, the Ten Commandments, a dove descending with a group of cherubs 'heads' and topped with flaming urns.
This screen was removed in 1833, and the niches restored and three rows of carved angels added.
The statues were added from 1905 onwards and depict people with an historical connection to Southwark.
In 1930, the lower portion was gilded and a new panel showing the Greek and Latin Fathers of the Church was added. This was inspired by a panel in St Mark's, Venice.