Presentation design drawing of the baptismal font for Canterbury Cathedral

John Christmas (1599-1654)

V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum)

circa 1638-1639

The Canterbury baptismal font was commissioned by John Warner, Dean of Lichfield, on the eve of his promotion to the Bishopric of Rochester. This drawing, which has been signed by John Warner, was probably designed for presentation to the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury to impress them with his proposed munificence. The size of the drawing and its meticulous execution confirm that it was a commission of great importance.

• Medium: pen & ink & watercolour on vellum
• Dimensions: 63.5 x 44.9cm
• Art Fund Grant: £20000 ( Total: £79,000)
• ArtFunded in: 2005
• Vendor: Christopher Gibbs

Provenance

? Bishop Warner's papers; by descent to Dr John Lee;...; rediscovered in shop in Portobello road by Tim Knox and Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, 2002; Christopher Gibbs.

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