Inspired by the medieval rood screen, this chancel screen was made of hand-carved North American white oak by Agrell and Thorpe Ltd. Scott Richter headed up the carving and Geoff Arko lead construction. The piece reflects the general character of the 1918 woodwork in the cathedral, particularly the St. Mary Magdalen shrine at the north end.
The screen and tabernacle were made in Ian Agrell's workshop in Sausalito, CA. These pieces were assembled, finished, and disassembled for delivery to the site to be installed by Agrell and Richter in 2 days time.
This work was part of an early 90s interior restoration project under the direction of Beyer Blinder Belle of New York. This project also marks the beginning of a 20-year ongoing collaboration between master woodcarver Ian Agrell and Geoff's Woodworking.
First two photographs courtesy of Mark Esguerra at http://www.themarkeworld.com/
