Dr Fenwick Lawson, an Associate of the Royal College of Art, was a celebrated artist born into a coalmining family in South Moor, Stanley. He became internationally renowned for his remarkable artwork and his generosity of spirit. Much of his work has religious themes that go beyond the usual liturgical narrative and focus on the humanity and inhumanity behind the story. Often carved from trees, he used the nature of the wood and his tools to describe the subject of his work so they became a visual form of onomatopoeia.
Although an international sculptor, with sculptures throughout this country and others, he chose to concentrate his works in the North East of England, for the people of the North East with whom he resonated deeply.
Many are sited in prominent locations such as The Journey, an emotive sculpture of the coffin of St. Cuthbert being carried on its journey to Durham. The original wood sculpture is in St. Mary’s Church on Holy Island with a later bronze version in Millennium Square, Durham.
There are two of his sculptures in Durham Cathedral:
The Pieta is a deeply moving sculpture of Our Lady gazing on the body of her son [When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” ) John 19:26 – 27] and:
The Sarcophagus of Jesus’ body in the tomb. The use of polished and unpolished bronze both convey the notion of transfiguration.
Over the years, Fenwick Lawson has made a huge contribution to the cultural and spiritual life of our Diocese. Many of our churches contain his works, from sculptures to processional crosses and pascal candles.
At St. Bede’s in Bedlington, where he worked closely with the architect Vincente Stienlet who designed the building, you will find a sculpture of Our Lady of Bedlington, the Bedlington Cross, a carved sanctuary wall depicting the Star of David and Christ is the Morning Star stained-glass window.
Other notable works include the Risen Christ, Annunciation, Baptismal Dove and the Processional Cross in St Gregory’s in South Shields.
In the church of The Holy Family in Grindon, he also carved the sculptures of Our Lady, Jesus and St. Joseph.
Fenwick designed the stained glass sanctuary screen in St. Mary’s Jarrow.
In St. Augustine’s, Darlington, Fenwick carved the altar, the ambo, the presidential chair, the baptismal font and sculpture of St. Augustine.
There are also examples of Lawson’s work in:-
St. Cuthbert’s, Durham – lectern and Matthew’s Cross
St. Oswald’s, South Shields – Risen Christ
St Michael’s, Houghton-le-Spring – Risen Christ
St Bede’s, Washington – St. ‘Bede
The Holy Family Church, Grindon – Mary with Jesus and St. Joseph
St. Elizabeth’s, Minsteracres Baptismal Font and Baptismal Cross With Dove
St. Josephs, Newton Aycliffe – Processional Cross
St Andrew’s, Newcastle – Risen Christ
St. Bede’s RC School, Lanchester – St Bede
Dr Lawson served as a member of the Diocesan Historic Churches Committee from 1995 to 2000.
Fenwick Lawson died on 23rd January at the age of 93 – We pray for the repose of his soul and for his family and friends at this time of loss.
