Wednesday 5 December 2007

Chasubles of the 16th century


The Saint Bede Studio has commenced production of a new range of chasubles in the Italianate form of the 16th century. This style of chasuble is most commonly seen in depictions of Saint Philip Neri. After months of research and experimentation, the first of these chasubles has been produced (see attached picture). This new line of chasubles is not intended to be an exact re-creation of the 16th century Italianate chasuble, but a modern interpretation based on its dimensions and form. The chasuble pictured is made from an ivory-coloured brocade, lined in cotton and ornamented with silk damask and narrow braid in gold and burgundy.

What distinguishes the form of this chasuble? It is wider than the so-called "Roman" chasubles of the latter Baroque in that it reaches almost to the elbows. It is also much longer at the front and the back and its stole reaches below the lower edge of the chasuble. Its decoration, however, is very similar to the "Roman" chasuble: a form of ornament which stretches back many centuries.

Unlike the "Roman" chasuble, this 16th century form sits very comfortably on the wearer and does not move around, fall off the shoulders etc.

The Saint Bede Studio is offering this chasuble especially for use in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite and as a "bridge" between the two opposing camps of vestment ideology: those who will only wear the more ample Gothic chasuble and those who regard the "Roman" chasuble as the authentic expression of Catholic Tradition. The 16th century chasuble still has the length of the ancient chasuble, even though its width has been substantially reduced.

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The Saint Giles Chasuble


Pictured is the Saint Giles chasuble, a new design of the Saint Bede Studio. It is simplified version of a design by A.W.N. Pugin. A green brocade (Emerald green on a very dark base colour) is ornamented with a Puginesque braid in red and gold and lined in scarlet-red. The braid has been produced exclusively for the Saint Bede Studio (intellectual rights protected under International Law). This chasuble is intended to be a stock item of the Studio.

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Episcopal Dalmatic


The Saint Bede Studio was recently commissioned to make an Episcopal Dalmatic for the Most Rev'd Peter Elliott, auxiliary bishop of Melbourne. This dalmatic, of silver brocade, has a fringe along the lower edge, in the mediaeval style. A similar dalmatic in gold brocade is also being prepared.

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