A Mitre for the Bishop of London (1997-98)

 

The Bishops Mitre was commissioned by the Worshipful Company of Weavers in 1996 to celebrate its chaplain, the Rt Revd. Rt Hon.Richard Chartres, becoming Bishop of London. Much of Rozannes time was spent in research drawing and hard thinking before she was able to submit a design in which she believed absolutely.

The Mitre incorporated an array of symbols and imagery to reflect the Bishops faith, his interest in the arts and sciences, his scholarship and his links with Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as his continuing interest in the world's philosophies and beliefs. At the base of a cross of bones is a depiction of the walled City of London. The marks were drawn, painted and stitched - some on fine, old gloving leather, the shapes cut, padded and applied with couching using gold claret and gold fine cord with silk thread.

The Bishop, for his part, appreciated 'such a wealth of symbolism within a strong and coherent overall design.' He added that he would wear it 'knowing that I am not subscribing to the ersatz gaudiness… school of ecclesiastical millinery, nor to that of deadening blandness.'