York Minster England is a great visitor experience. It’s also the first cathedral in the country to have an accredited museum. There are eight collections, many items from which are on view to the public. Minster visitors can expect to see, not just beautiful architecture, monuments and furnishings, but a whole host of artefacts, from silver to stained glass. The items in question take us back in time, retelling a history. But they’re also, however, very much of today. Take a look.
Silver Collection
Visit the Treasury, and there’s an amazing amount of silver on display, both York Minster’s own, and parish deposits from the northern province. It’s displayed chronologically to show how both the style and use has changed over time. Much of the collection is still used in worship. There’s also some pewter, which was used instead of silver, when vessels were too large or potentially expensive.
Changes in Church Practice
Examples of items include chalices, flagons, and almsdishes. One particularly striking sideboard dish was donated to Dalton Holme parish in 1698. When trends changed, donating items to the church was a way of ensuring donors didn’t appear unfashionable, while also being charitable.
Mazer Bowl, c1405
This was a communal drinking cup and was made of mazer or maple wood. It is also known as ‘Archbishop Scrope’s Indulgence Cup’, because of the inscription, which offers 40 days’ pardon from Purgatory, to those who drink from it.
Millennium Silver
To mark the turning of the third millennium, the Friends of York Minster gifted a set of communion silver, produced through a collaboration of contemporary artists. The altar cross and candlesticks can be viewed on the Nave altar and, along with the rest of the set, are used in the 10 o’clock service on Sundays. The set is a key record of contemporary silver design at the turn of the 20th century.
Worked Stone Collection
This is stone no longer attached to the building, which is of interest, architecturally, technically or historically.
Blessing Stone
One fine example is the Blessing Stone, which is carved in the Anglo-Scandinavian style, and dates from the 9th or early 10th century. The work was undertaken by a very skilled craftsman. The stone shows a man apparently blessing two figures, one suggestion being that it is Jesus, blessing his disciples.
Scenes from the Book of Genesis
Another example, seen in the Treasury, is a display of some of the surviving stones from the Genesis order (arch) of the Great West Door archway, originally carved in the 14th century. Some of the carving is quite exquisite.
Romanesque Art
Below this display are four figures, beautiful examples of Romanesque art, which were originally in niches on the outside of the western towers. They were carved in the 1100s and reused in the 14th century when the towers were rebuilt.
Norman Stonework
Of particular interest are the examples of Norman stonework, including the Norman pillars. The Minster comprises four layers of history, of which the Normans were the third. The pillars would originally have supported the roof of the crypt but became redundant when the roof was raised. Notice the mason’s marks – identifying marks are still used today.
Treasures Collection
The Treasures Collection includes a variety of artefacts. When the tomb of Walter de Grey was opened, for example, a surprising discovery was made…
Walter de Grey (Archbishop of York, d.1255)
Walter de Grey was responsible for the rebuilding of the Minster in the new gothic style. The style emphasised pinnacles and light, and a soaring up to heaven. Work began in the south transept around 1220.
Walter de Grey’s Tomb
De Grey was buried in a chapel in the south transept, but when his tomb was excavated in 1971, a colourful, painted figure was discovered on the lid of the coffin. This could have been meant as a temporary monument until the tomb was ready. Also interesting is the Purbeck marble figure on top of the tomb – this is of a Bishop, not an Archbishop.
Displaced Glass Collection
This is glass that came from the building, either whole panes, or small pieces. The Tree of Jesse is an excellent example. The panel shown is from a mid 12th century window, and is one of the third or fourth oldest pieces of stained glass in the world. It shows a Biblical king, probably David, surrounded by flowering stems. Originally, there would have been several figures (panels), one on top of the other, with the stem design linking them. Christ would have been at the top of the tree.
Tree of Jesse
This type of window (Tree of Jesse) is the basis for our idea of the family tree. It shows the genealogy of the Old Testament starting with Jesse, David’s father, and ending with Christ, so linking the Old and the New Testaments. A 14th century Tree of Jesse can be seen in the south nave aisle of the Minster. King David is holding a harp.
York Minster Treasures: Living History
York Minster’s treasures are marvellous to see. But great as they are, they’re not just history. As Vicky Harrison, the Minster’s collections manager, says, "These objects have been displayed as history but they have been, and will continue to be, respected – and used. The objects reveal the hidden symbolism of both western culture and Christianity. By putting these objects back into context, we unlock that symbolism, and uncover those secrets."
And with so many objects, and such a beautiful cathedral, that’s a worthy objective.
Sources
- Ingram, Elizabeth, ed. Thread of Gold: the embroideries and textiles in York Minster, 2nd ed. York: Friends of York Minster, [2007]. CD
- Interview with (and presentation material from) Vicky Harrison, York Minster collections manager, September 1 2011
Further Information
- York Minster Treasures: Fabric and Furnishings
- York’s churches represent over 1000 years of art, architecture and history. Apart from the Minster, there are numerous other churches to visit and learn from.
Ellie Stevenson - Ellie writes on history, travel, careers & the arts. Her novel, Ship of Haunts (http://tinyurl.com/cyryp2m) is on Amazon as an ebook.
