On the Solemnity of Ss Peter and Paul

 

On this noble Feast of the Church's year, the Saint Bede Studio is pleased toa glimpse of a set of red vestments in the Gothic Revival Style.  The vestments were made from a rich shade of English ecclesiastical brocade and lined in taffeta of a brass-gold colour.  

The ornament was formed from one of the Studio's unique braids Saint Giles in colours of burgundy and straw-gold, upon red.  These vestments are simple in their ornamentation, but striking.  There is no need here for fine embroideries, but the effect is created with strong colours and contrasts : the hallmark of the work of the Saint Bede Studio.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Studio Blog

Recently, there has been a substantial increase of visitors to the Saint Bede Studio blog : most exciting !

Are you a new reader of our blog posts?

Once a year, the Studio publishes a .pdf format newsletter in which some new vestments are presented, in addition to brief articles on the Sacred Liturgy.

If you are interested in subscribing to this Newsletter, please contact us at this e-mail address using the subject title " Newsletter ".

stbede62@gmail.com

Thank you for your interest in our work for the Church.

AMDG.

On the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart

On this beautiful Feast of the Sacred Heart, the Studio is pleased to present this simple set of vestments.

The colours which ornament this ivory-coloured chasuble are very fitting on this Feast : soft gold, red, green.

A column, made from silk, ornaments the front and back of the chasuble and upon the columns is sewn the Studio's braid Saint Edmund.  It features the letters I H S and the Cross in a stylised mediaeval arrangement.

These vestments are in the style we call Saint Anselm.  

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Our Ladye of Perpetual Succour

One of the many lovely Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary is under the title Nostra Mater De Perpetuo Succursu.  In the English-speaking world, succursu had always been translated as "succour".  More recently translated as "perpetual help", this does not fully convey the meaning of the Latin word subcurro : to run to the assistance of.  Perhaps "of perpetual assistance" would be better than "help" but both lack the vigour of the Latin.  

Our Mother who unceasingly hastens to our assistance.  What a comforting thought.  Her very name inspires confidence.

Pictured in this post is one of the Studio's range of vestments in honour of the Blessed Virgin.  It is called Salve Regina.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Papal Liturgies of the 16th century

At an old blog post, we found the adjacent image of a fresco and a description of the Coronation of the Spanish King Charles as Holy Roman Emperor at Bologna.

The Coronation was performed by Pope Clement VII in the Cathedral of San Petronio, Bologna on 24th February 1530.

The fresco is not painted onto a wall, but on the ceiling of the office of the Mayor of Florence in the Palazzo Vecchio.  It was painted by the artist Giorgio Vasari after 1555.

Vasari's depiction of the Coronation is quite interesting for students of the history of sacred vestments because, since it is painted in the middle of the 16th century, a transitional point from mediaeval to baroque styles is illustrated.

A detail of Vasari's 16th century fresco.

In the detail shewn above, Pope Clement is placing the crown upon the head of the Emperor. We find the Pope vested in a linen albe, with close fitting sleeves and whose skirt is ornamented with an embroidered apparel. It would appear that the cuffs of the albe are enriched in some way. Notice, however, that there is no sign of lace in the Pope's albe. Over the albe, the Pope is wearing an ample golden chasuble. The chasuble is very flowing and partly folded back at the arms. Not unusually, we find the painting does not represent the Pope dressed in full pontificals, since he lacks the tunicle and dalmatic, but most importantly, he is lacking the pallium. An extremely short and narrow maniple is upon the left forearm of the Pope. This is a far-cry from the exaggerated spade-ended maniples of the High Baroque.

Assisting the Pope are two deacons, vested in matching dalmatics which are also quite ample. The dalmatic are ornamented with the clavi, but also an apparel at the upper back (presumably also upon the breast). A roundel upon the apparel appears to be embroidered with IHS. Pendants of tassels hanging from the shoulders of the dalmatic are also depicted, a feature of late mediaeval / early baroque ornamentation. It is believed that such tassels were originally an elaboration of the lacing used to tie together the front and back of the dalmatic at the shoulders. Subsequently, they became purely decorative.

Another detail of Vasari's fresco.

Another detail of Vasari's fresco is shewn above, which depicts some of the bishops present at the Coronation. These bishops are all depicted wearing Mass vestments: amice, albe, cincture, stole, maniple and chasuble. In each case, the amice of the bishops is ornamented with an apparel: a survival of mediaeval usage. Although their albes are unornamented, the close-fitting cuffs appear to be decorated. The four bishops are wearing chasubles which are less ample than the one the Pope is depicted as wearing, but nevertheless appear to be gathered away from the elbows and are long and flowing. Each of the chasubles is decorated with the TAU Cross, which was the usual form of ornament in Italy. The bishop in the centre, with hand raised, also wears a diminutive maniple.

We might also comment on the mitres worn by these bishops, which are more or less identical to each other. They are the simplex mitres worn by non-officiating or concelebrating bishops, just as happens today. These mitres are also in the style of the 15th century (which differed little from that of the 14th century) being neither excessively tall (these ones are approximately 12" tall) nor with rounded sides (a style which became fashionable in Rome in the 16th century and persists to this day).

Although the scene depicted by Vasari is probably not very accurate as a presentation of a Papal Liturgy, nevertheless it undoubtedly depicts the style of vestments used throughout Italy in the 16th century. It demonstrates that Catholic Tradition in the age of the Council of Trent did not include "fiddleback" chasubles, lace albes and excessively tall mitres.  

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

AMDG

The Season Per Annum 2025 : 12

In this post is depicted a set of vestments in a subtle shade of green brocade and ornamented with the Studio's Sancte Deus orphrey braid.  This new braid amongst the Studio's offerings is in the distinctive colours of deep blue and ivory upon a green background. 

These vestments are in one of our Gothic Revival styles which we call Saint Benet.  The chasuble and accessories were lined in a bottle-green taffeta.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Red vestments

The Saint Bede Studio is pleased to present a set of vestments made in the Borromeon style for a returning customer in the United States. The vestments were made from a red brocade and fully-lined in copper-coloured taffeta.

The vestments are ornamented with the TAU at the front and a column at the back, these being formed by a brocade in colours of flame-red and gold, outlined with a narrow galloon.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

The Season Per Annum 2025 : 11

In this season Per Annum the Saint Bede Studio is pleased to present another set of green vestments, in the style we call Borromeon.  The prominent feature of such vestments is the use of the TAU as the ornament of the chasuble front.

This set is constructed from handmade dupion silk in a darker shade of olive green, and it is lined in a lovely shade of burgundy taffeta. The ornament is formed from a brocade in colours of red upon gold, which is arranged in columns and outlined in a narrow galloon.  

At the Saint Bede Studio, we strive to avoid the idea that the designation Ordinary Time is a reason to make green vestments which are non-descript, or lacking in inspiration. This is a beautiful and distinctive set of vestments; we believe there is nothing "ordinary" about it.

Click on the images for an enlarged view. 

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG 

The Season Per Annum resumes

In this Season Per Annum, the Saint Bede Studio is pleased to present a glimpse of another set of green vestments, in the Gothic Revival style.

This set is constructed from ecclesiastical brocade in a beautiful shade of green, and it is lined in a shade of lemon taffeta. 

The ornament is formed from matching braids, one wider, one narrow, in colours of crimson and straw-gold upon a green background. This is one of the Studio's unique braids called Saint Edmund and is directly based on a design by AWN Pugin.  It features the sacred monogram " IHS ".

At the Saint Bede Studio, we strive to avoid the idea that the designation Ordinary Time is a reason to make green vestments which are non-descript, or lacking in inspiration. Although not elaborate, this is a beautiful and distinctive set of vestments.

Click on the images for an enlarged view. 

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG 

A Prayer in Times of Disturbance

A prayer composed by the Saint Bede Studio.

The Most Holy Trinity

It is truly fitting and just, right and profitable for our salvation, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Lord, holy Father, almighty, eternal God. With your only-begotten Son and the Holy Spirit, you are one God, one Lord, not in the singleness of one Person, but in a Trinity of one substance. For, whatever we believe through your revelation about your glory, the same also we believe about your Son and about the Holy Spirit, without distinction or difference. So that in acknowledging the true and eternal Godhead, we adore each individual person and, at the same time, their one substance and their equal majesty: which the Angels, the Archangels, the Cherubim and the Seraphim all praise, never ceasing to cry out with one voice:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of mighty hosts! The heavens and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Bless'd is he who comes in the Lord's name. Hosanna in the highest.

This is the translation of the Preface of the Most Holy Trinity prepared by the Saint Bede Studio for the Order of Mass published by Ignatius Press in 2008.  Copies of this Mass book may be purchased at this link.

The translation and illustration may not be reproduced without prior approval.

AMDG

Whitsuntide 2025 : 4

In this sacred Octave of Pentecost, we are pleased to present this image of a set of Gothic Revival vestments.  

The set of vestments was made from ecclesiastical brocade in a brighter red and lined in a very muted shade of green.  

The vestments were ornamented with a geometric braid unique to the Saint Bede Studio, which we call Lux aeterna.  It is a geometric braid after the style of AWB Pugin and is woven in the colours of ash-grey upon black.

The work of the Saint Bede Studio is distinctive for its artistic qualities and the pains taken with every detail, such as the alignment of ornaments.  Even a simple vestment like this is striking for its combination of colours and fine workmanship.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Whitsuntide 2025 : 3

 

In this blessed Octave of Pentecost, we are pleased to present this image of a set of Gothic Revival vestments.  

The set was made from dupion silk in a fiery-red and lined in a very muted shade of gold.  The vestments were ornamented with a geometric braid unique to the Saint Bede Studio, which we call Salisbury.  It is based on an old design and is woven in the colours of red, burgundy and straw-gold.

The work of the Saint Bede Studio is distinctive for its artistic qualities and the pains taken with every detail, such as the alignment of ornaments.  Even a simple vestment like this is striking for its combination of colours and fine workmanship.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Mary Mother of the Church

On this beautiful Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, we are pleased to present these images of a set of Marian vestments.  This is made in a more ample Gothic style which we call Saint Cuthbert.  These vestments were made from dupion silk in an ivory colour and fully-lined in blue taffeta.  Despite their being so ample, they are very lightweight.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

The vestments are ornamented with the familiar "Gothic" form of orphrey which is formed from an embroidered braid in two shades of blue, interwoven with gold thread.  Running along either side of this braid is a narrow galloon in a very muted shaded of yellow.

Click on the images for an enlarged view. 

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Whitsuntide 2025 : 2

On this joyous day of Pentecost, we are pleased to present this image of a set of red vestments.  

The set was made from ecclesiastical brocade in a fiery combination of red and straw-gold and lined in a matching shade of red.  The vestments were ornamented in the Roman style, with a TAU at the front and a column at the back, formed from an outlining galloon. 

  

The chasuble is in the Studio's Saint Philip Neri style, which is the product of years of research into historical vestments and refinement of dimensions for comfortable use.  The Studio revived this more ample 16th century style of the Roman chasuble in 2007 and since then we have made many of them.  Beware of poorly-designed imitations!

The work of the Saint Bede Studio is distinctive for its artistic qualities and the pains taken with every detail, such as the alignment of ornaments.  Even a restrained set of vestments like this is striking for its combination of colours and fine workmanship.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

On the Feast of Pentecost

On the glorious day of Pentecost, the Saint Bede Studio is pleased to present a set of vestments made in the Borromeon style for a returning customer in the United States. The vestments were made from a red brocade and fully-lined in copper-coloured taffeta.

The vestments are ornamented with the TAU at the front and a column at the back, these being formed by a brocade in colours of flame-red and gold, outlined with a narrow galloon.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Priestly Ordinations 2026

To readers of this Blog :

If you are considering obtaining a set of vestments for yourself or as a gift for Ordinations in 2026 ...

  NOW 

is the time to make an enquiry with the Saint Bede Studio.  Our schedule of commissions for 2026 will soon be full; please be in touch without delay.  Next week will be too late !

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

A Precious Mitre

Not seen so regularly on the Studio blog are episcopal mitres, although we usually make a few of these each year.

In this post, we feature a precious mitre made for an Australian bishop.  A precious mitre may be more or less ornate and is distinct from the simple mitre of white linen.

This mitre is in the Gothic style and features a golden metallic brocade, with small woven Crosses arranged geometrically.  The lining of the mitre - part of which can be seen in the images - is formed from crimson-coloured silk, creating a rich contrast.

Click on the images for an enlarged view. 

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

The ornament of this mitre is arranged in the bandings referred to as circulus (because it encircles the head) and titulus.  In this case, these bandings are formed from the layering of two braids, both metallic, in gold and red.

The lappets, or tails of the mitre are made and ornamented in the same manner.

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

The custom mitres produced by the Saint Bede Studio are almost entirely hand-made.  Great care is taken with the design of the mitre to provide a comfortable fit and good proportions.  They are always provided with a sturdy cloth bag to keep them clean and secure.

Are you interested in presenting a mitre to your bishop?  If so, please contact us to discuss possibilities.

Enquiries.

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

In Ascensiontide : 4

This post features a further set of Festal vestments in the Studio's nod to the contemporary.  This style we call Saint Anselm.  

The vestments of the Saint Bede Studio are beautiful in design, sound in construction and distinctive in appearance.

Tasteful contemporary vestments are made by certain studios in Italy, France and Germany, but we also make them here in Australia at the Saint Bede Studio.  This set has a simple dignity and is made from high quality fabrics.

The chasuble (which is unlined) and stole are made from a sturdy cream-coloured moiré taffeta.  A column ornaments the back and front of the chasuble, formed from one of the Studio's unique braids called Saint Edmund, and based on the designs of AWN Pugin.

These vestments are exceedingly comfortable to wear and not in the least flimsy.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

Ascensiontide : 3

 

This post features a set of vestments in the Studio's re-creation of the most ancient form of chasuble, often referred to as the conical chasuble.  Most readers of this post will never have seen such a chasuble, which was the only form of chasuble in the West from primitive times until the Middle Ages.  

The conical chasuble is like a flattened bell in its shape, with very long shoulders seams.  When it is put on, it completely envelops the wearer and must be drawn up into the small of the arms for convenience.  It is in drawing-up the chasuble in this way that caused it to form the distinctive folds which are so commonly seen in Mediaeval images of the celebration of Mass.  These folds are shewn in the image.

This set of vestments was made from an ivory-coloured dupion silk and lined with a lemon-coloured cloth.  It was ornamented with one of the Studio's unique braids, forming a TAU in the front and a column at the back.  This braid, being a replica of  a mediaeval ornament, is in colours of red, white and straw-gold upon a deep blue background.  It is called Saint Raymund.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG

In Ascensiontide : 2

In this post, the Saint Bede Studio is pleased to present a set of festal vestments made in the Gothic Revival style for a returning customer in the United States. The vestments were made from a silk damask in a muted shade of straw-gold and fully-lined in crimson taffeta.

The vestments are ornamented with one of the Studio's unique braids, called Saint Marie, which is in the Gothic Revival style and features the colours of crimson red, Royal blue, straw-gold and white.  

Click on the images for an enlarged view.

The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.

Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com

Information on placing an order.

Please note that posts on this blog are set-up for optimal viewing via a web-browser, not via a mobile phone.

AMDG