Stone Sanctuary Ring
We're are pleased to announce that a replica 'Sanctuary Ring', carved stone, is now on display in the Durham Cathedral Museum for you all to enjoy. The carving was a gift to The Friends of Durham Cathedral from Durham Cathedral stonemason Steve Mann.
The replica of the Sanctuary Ring of Durham Cathedral has been carved from a 314kg block of 'Blaxter' sandstone from Dunhouse Quarry at Staindrop, Durham. Steve carved the stone over several years (in his own time) and tracked it took 450 hours to complete.
Steve was inspired to make this after overhearing two masons discussing how difficult it would be to carve, and the fact that a stone replica had never been made before, as far as we know.
He created many intricate templates and measurements from the brass Sanctuary Ring you see on the North Door at Durham Cathedral.
He had recorded all his work, fine tuning the carving as his work progressed.
One of the hardest challenges he faced was creating the 'ring', Steve evenutually managed to carve this entirely from one piece of stone.
Steve kindly gifted the Stone Sanctuary Ring to the Friends of Durham Cathedral for all they do to support projects in the cathedral.
Our grateful thanks go to Steve Mann for all his hard work, to joiner Terry Orton for creating a beautiful plinth to support the Stone Sanctuary Ring and all those involved in this project (especially Terry, Tony and Ted who helped getting it in situ!).
It is currently on display in the Durham Cathedral Museum, with thanks to Alison Cullingford (Head of Library and Collections) and Marie-Thérèse Mayne, (Exhibitions & Collections Officer), who helped find a location in the cathedral where visitors can see the carving, along with the Lego Cathedral, at no charge. Find it in the first niche on the east side of the Dormitory, just beyond the lift.
Alison commented "I am delighted with the location: the play of changing light really brings out the forms and it is much more beautiful than when it was in the dark Undercroft .... this very special piece which also helps us tell stories of sanctuary".
You can see the original Sanctuary Ring, along with the coffin of St Cuthbert and some great exhibitions in the museum so it's well worth a visit. Make sure you take your Friends card to get discounted entry too!
