The Brass Eagle Takes Flight
Created by: Award winning UK-based Māori artist Frederick Worrell
Medium: Alcohol inks on convex mirror. (Items are made to order)
Size: 80cm diameter x 10cm deep. Unframed, but the set is ready to hang. NB - framing is not necessary due to the nature of the mirror, however we can provide a price for framing on request
The Story: There is a long tradition of eagle lecterns crafted in wood and brass, with talons grasping a globe and wings, depicting the word of God being carried to every part of the world. However, many of those seen in churches today are from the Victorian era, which revived a tradition which fell out of favour in the Reformation, with many eagles destroyed in the Cromwellian period.
Newcastle Cathedral’s brass eagle is a fine one of 45 examples of pre-Reformation eagles that remain, making it a fine and treasured sacred object. In Frederick’s work the brass eagle has taken flight in a piece that evokes the symbolism and beauty of stained glass windows to surprise visitors and bring light to the Cathedral’s dark, high walls and ceiling.
Created by: Award winning UK-based Māori artist Frederick Worrell
Medium: Alcohol inks on convex mirror. (Items are made to order)
Size: 80cm diameter x 10cm deep. Unframed, but the set is ready to hang. NB - framing is not necessary due to the nature of the mirror, however we can provide a price for framing on request
The Story: There is a long tradition of eagle lecterns crafted in wood and brass, with talons grasping a globe and wings, depicting the word of God being carried to every part of the world. However, many of those seen in churches today are from the Victorian era, which revived a tradition which fell out of favour in the Reformation, with many eagles destroyed in the Cromwellian period.
Newcastle Cathedral’s brass eagle is a fine one of 45 examples of pre-Reformation eagles that remain, making it a fine and treasured sacred object. In Frederick’s work the brass eagle has taken flight in a piece that evokes the symbolism and beauty of stained glass windows to surprise visitors and bring light to the Cathedral’s dark, high walls and ceiling.
Created by: Award winning UK-based Māori artist Frederick Worrell
Medium: Alcohol inks on convex mirror. (Items are made to order)
Size: 80cm diameter x 10cm deep. Unframed, but the set is ready to hang. NB - framing is not necessary due to the nature of the mirror, however we can provide a price for framing on request
The Story: There is a long tradition of eagle lecterns crafted in wood and brass, with talons grasping a globe and wings, depicting the word of God being carried to every part of the world. However, many of those seen in churches today are from the Victorian era, which revived a tradition which fell out of favour in the Reformation, with many eagles destroyed in the Cromwellian period.
Newcastle Cathedral’s brass eagle is a fine one of 45 examples of pre-Reformation eagles that remain, making it a fine and treasured sacred object. In Frederick’s work the brass eagle has taken flight in a piece that evokes the symbolism and beauty of stained glass windows to surprise visitors and bring light to the Cathedral’s dark, high walls and ceiling.
Frederick Worrell is an acclaimed award-winning UK-based Māori artist whose vibrant artworks seamlessly blend traditional Māori cultural elements with contemporary techniques. Born and raised in Whakatāne, New Zealand, Worrell draws inspiration from his rich Māori heritage and the breathtaking natural landscapes that surround him. Worrell's artistic practice mainly revolves around the use of alcohol inks on convex mirrors, resulting in captivating pieces that emphasise the allure of reflective surfaces. The mirrored artworks he creates possess a mesmerising quality, drawing viewers in and encouraging them to engage with the artwork.
Worrell's artistic style is characterized by his masterful use of colour, texture, and symbolism. His works often feature mesmerising motifs derived from ancestral mythology, exploring themes of identity, connection to the land, and the importance of cultural heritage. Through his art, Worrell seeks to bridge the gap between the past and the present, inviting viewers to reflect on the enduring wisdom and beauty of Māori culture.
Worrell's artistic prowess has garnered him widespread recognition both in New Zealand and internationally. His artworks have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums, captivating audiences with their powerful narratives and visually-striking compositions. Worrell's commitment to promoting cultural understanding and appreciation has led him to conduct workshops and mentor aspiring artists, passing down traditional techniques and encouraging the next generation to explore their creative potential.
