Design for a Church Gate 1875 - 1885

This small drawing in pen, ink and watercolor is a "Design for a Church Gate" by Richardson Ellson & Co. Designs like this are a window into the relationship between art, craft, and social institutions. The drawing presents technical specifications for the gate, suggesting the intended audience was a skilled ironworker. But what about the social role of the church the gate was intended for? The gate is a threshold that controls access, in a literal sense. But it also speaks to the power of the church, and the social hierarchies it represents. The design incorporates decorative elements that, while simple, evoke a sense of tradition and authority. The very act of commissioning such a gate speaks to the church's resources and its desire to project an image of stability and permanence. Understanding the history of church architecture, social class in the parish, and the archives of the company who made the design can all help contextualize this image. It’s a reminder that even seemingly mundane designs can reveal complex social dynamics.