Yet more of the Borromeon form

A priest resident in Illinois, USA commissioned a set of vestments from the Studio in the Borromeon style.  The results are shewn in the adjacent photograph.  At the moment, there is much interest in the Borromeon form, of chasuble, which is somewhat ample in cut and ornamented in the Roman style.

These vestments are made from a straw-coloured silk damask, ornamented with an ecclesiastical brocade in burgundy and old gold and outlined with a narrow galloon.

A word on photographs appearing on this website.  These images are intended to illustrate the vestments made by the Studio: they are specially "posed".  They are not intended to precisely reproduce liturgical actions, or the exact manner in which a priest ought to vest or stand.  Wherever possible, the photographs illustrate the correct proportions of the vestment to its owner.  Except where acknowledged, photographs on this website are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any form, especially on other blogs or websites, except with prior permission from the Saint Bede Studio.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The Anniversary

To all customers and friends of the Saint Bede Studio and those who simply read this blog from time to time, Greetings for 2011.  Having benefitted from a holiday immersed in Sacred Liturgy and Organ Music, work here at the Studio has resumed in earnest.

I ask your prayers for the peoples of Brazil, Sri Lanka and eastern Australia who have been tragically affected by devastating floods in the past two weeks.

This year marks the 10th year since the Saint Bede Studio commenced operations and perhaps this is an opportunity to describe a little of what goes on here.

At work in 2008 on the chasuble for Benedict XVI

The major focus of the work here is the design and making of vestments.  Much consideration goes into all the designs, based on years of research into the history of sacred vestments and furnishings.  The vestment-work of the Studio is intended to be a re-interpretation of ancient and mediaeval designs for modern use, so that always the end product can be seen as a continuity with the breadth of Sacred Tradition, not as innovation.

The design of church furnishings, renovations and redecorations is also work that is undertaken by the Studio from time to time, again, based on years of study into the architectural and ornamental styles.

Having been fortunate enough to make a good reputation for the Studio's work internationally, I am anxious that people understand the very modest scale of operations here.  Although based in the provincial city of Newcastle in Australia, most of my work is done for overseas customers.  I work from my own home, without the benefit of a special sewing room, but using high-quality machines.  One room of my home is given over to the storage of fabrics, making interesting viewing for those visiting me.  I receive part-time help from a sewing assistant, a secretary and two cats, which allows me to keep the work ticking over.  Keeping abreast of the work is a daily struggle, but thanks be to God for every new commission that appears in my e-mail box.

Say a prayer, please, that God will continue to bless this work; and thank you, if you are already doing so.

Christmas Greetings

To all friends, customers and readers of this Blog, my sincere wishes for a Blessed Christmas.

Borromeon Form arrives in New Zealand

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting a young priest from New Zealand and shewing him those styles of chasuble which have become known as the S' Philip Neri and Borromeon forms.  These are interpretations by the Saint Bede Studio of chasubles used in the 16th century, based on works of art and surviving chasubles from the period.

The young priest was quite enthusiastic about these styles, not least so because of their being so convenient to wear.  Adjacent is a photograph of the Borromeon chasuble chosen by the priest, which he now uses in his parish in New Zealand.  

We can't claim that it is the first chasuble of the revived Borromeon form in New Zealand, but it is certainly amongst the first, "for nothing is impossible to God".

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

A modern interpretation of the ancient chasuble

Shewn in the adjacent photograph is the Saint Bede Studio's alternative to the contemporary chasuble.  This vestment, which we call The Saint Martin chasuble is quite long and wide, reaching beyond the wrists of the wearer.  In developing this design, the Studio wished to present a more modern "feel" of chasuble but with the ancient decoration of the Tau, used in Rome for more than a millenium.

These vestments, prepared for an Australian priest presently studying in Rome, are made from dupion silk and ornamented with an ecclesiatical brocade in wine-red and gold.  The vestments are fully lined, yet not unduly heavy.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com


Click on the image for an enlarged view.

Rosa Mystica

A priest resident in Germany, commissioned the Studio to make a vestment for use on Gaudete Sunday.  The Rosa Mystica chasuble, shewn adjacent, will be used in the venerable Cathedral Parish of Frankfurt-am-Main.  The chasuble is made from a damask, ornamented with a Gothic foliage braid, and lined in grey cotton.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

On the Immaculate Conception BVM

A young priest in the United States commissioned the Studio to make a set of vestments in the "Borromeon" form, to be used for feasts of the Blessed Virgin. The result is shewn adjacent. This design we have named Regina Coeli.

These vestments are made from a white brocade which features a stylised fleur-de-lis in the form of a Cross. The ornament is formed from a blue and silver damask, outlined with a silver-coloured narrow galloon. The chasuble is lined in peacock-blue dupion silk.

The vestments will be used for the first time on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.  Our priest-customer,  for whom we had made vestments previously, contacted us about this vestment:

I would like to take a moment to thank Michael for the truly amazing craftsmanship which goes into each of his vestments. I am currently in the process of trying to reinvigorate the Liturgy at my Parish, to bring back that sense of beauty and awe which many Catholics have unfortunately lost even when they stand in the presence of Jesus Christ Himself. Michael's vestments have added immensely to this undertaking. Comments on these pieces of liturgical art have been completely unexpected, with one parishioner actually stating that seeing the priest in such beautiful vestments allowed them for the first time to have an understanding of priest "in persona Christi" as Christ the King. This particular set of BVM vestments is truly resplendent. It was my honor to celebrate the Sacred Mass in them in honor of Mary our Mother. Make no mistake, beautiful vestments do not make the Mass! Nor should they just be done for "show" or "appearance." However, in my experience they benefit the People of God and allow them to better understand that they stand with the angels and Saints worshipping God every time they pray the Holy Mass.

Click on the picture for an enlarged view.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

What colour vestments should be worn during Advent?

I often read here and there vigorous assertions about the "correct" colour of vestments to be used during Lent and Advent.  Curious as to the history of these colours in Liturgical use,  I researched and posted an article a few years ago on this Blog about use of penitential colours for the Seasons of Advent, Lent &c.  If you have wondered what colour the Church recommends for these Seasons, you will find the article illuminating.  That post may be read here and here, so I don't intend to rehearse its findings. 

Instead, always most interesting, an historic work of art to illustrate the practice of our forebears. This work (adjacent) was painted by an artist known as the Master of Osservanza in the year 1440 and depicts a Low Mass being offered at a side chapel in the Siena Cathedral (Italy).

Some observations. The chasuble being worn by the celebrant is violet: in other words, much the same colour as the flower "violets". It is a blue-ish colour, not purple and it is not too dark either. The chasuble is the full conical shape and is ornamented with a simple column-orphrey of dark fabric (possibly even black). Most likely, the front of the chasuble would have been decorated with the familiar "tau". The celebrant is wearing decorative apparels on his alb and amice, which match the colour of the chasuble's ornament. That is a very typical practice of the Mediaeval period. Note, too, the very full folds of the alb.

We see, also, that the boy assisting the celebrant is wearing a full-length surplice, according to the style typically found in Renaissance Italy. Those who claim that such surplices are "Church of England" practice should note this well.

Lastly, the altar itself. It is clothed in a dark antependium or altar frontal, ornamented with scarlet red. On the altar is a Crucifix and a single candle. Although it may seem peculiar that there is but a single candle instead of a pair, it might be remarked that not until the 16th century was it a usual practice to have a pair of candlesticks on an altar.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The ancient form of chasuble

Adjacent is a photograph of a conical chasuble recently completed by the Saint Bede Studio for a priest in the United States.   This chasuble is made from dupion silk and is ornamented with a very simple form of the "tau" Cross.  It is fully lined.

For readers who may be unfamiliar with this style, the shape of a conical chasuble is very similar to that of a bell. Consequently, in order for the wearer to use his arms, the conical chasuble must be pulled up at the sides and the fabric allowed to rest in the small of the arms. When this happens, the vestment folds upward from the bottom in a manner quite distinctive.  Many illustrations, statues and monuments from late Antiquity to the Middle Ages regularly show vestments with precisely these folds.

The conical chasuble is the most ancient form of Mass vestment, dating back to the earliest days of Christianity.  It continued to be the usual form for the chasuble until the late Middle Ages, when various modifications to the shape began to take place.

For a history of the chasuble, go here.

A conical chasuble is not for celebrants who like to wave their arms around a lot, but it is quite manageable if the arms always remain extended or joined. Unlike the more commonly-found chasubles, the conical chasuble must be tailored to the shape of the wearer's shoulders, otherwise it fits very ill.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com

Feast of S' Charles Borromeo

Coinciding with the Feast of S' Charles Borromeo (4th November), the Studio has completed a new set of vestments in the Borromeon style.  The vestments are made from crimson-red silk damask, ornamented with a brocade of dark burgundy and gold and outlined with a galloon in the Roman style.



Please click on the image for an enlarged view.

Enquiries: stbede62@gmail.com