Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Tiffany baptismal font in transit from Pomfret to New York City


From Norwich CT-

When representatives from New York City’s Museum of Biblical Art visited Christ Church in Pomfret last year, it was expressly to view the chapel’s six Tiffany stained glass windows.

But soon after entering the church, they spied something more exciting and quickly moved to the rear of the sanctuary, said Linda Goodwin, a member of the congregation’s historic preservation committee.

“They went to the font like bees to honey,” she said.

The 4-foot, 900-pound marble baptismal font was quickly identified as another piece designed by artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. And on Tuesday, after months of discussion and planning, the 104-year-old font was broken down into two sections, packed and shipped to New York City for display in an upcoming exhibit titled, “Louis C. Tiffany and the Art of Devotion.”

“The point of the show is to let visitors experience Tiffany pieces they might never see, like the font,” said Tricia Pongracz, co-curator of the show. “This is the first time it’s leaving the church and we’re very grateful the church wants to share it with us.”

Although Tiffany is best known today for his glass pieces, Pongracz said he also produced hundreds of ecclesiastical decorations and memorials. She said his output dovetailed with an “explosion” in church construction in the late 1800s.

More here-

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/newsnow/x887148527/Tiffany-baptismal-font-in-transit-from-Pomfret-to-New-York-City#axzz26udDDUfZ


No comments: