Font and Font Cover Manchester Cathedral

MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL -The most striking of the new work is the font, designed by Mr Truefitt, and already described in our pages. It stands at the west end of the north side, and is unquestionably a very meritorious work. Since our notice of it, a very elaborately-constructed cover of oak, designed by the same gentleman has been added, and ought to increase his reputation. It is pyramidal in shape 2 feet 6 inches wide at its base and 9 feet high. It consists of a central octagon of open panels to two-thirds of the height, from which radiate sixteen compartments of intricate work. Between these are three rows of open panels which recede as they rise, encircled with five tiers of pinnacles, amounting in all to eighty; above are united eight crocketted ribs; and the whole is surmounted by a figure of John the Baptist. It was carved and built by Philip and Wynne of Oxford Street, London.  [Builder 9 December 1848 page 589]

MEMORIAL OF THE LATE MR GEORGE LINGS – THE CATHEDRAL FONT COVER - It is in shape pyramidal, 2 feet 6 inches wide at its base and 9 feet high. It consists of a central octagon of open panels to two-thirds of the height, from which radiate sixteen compartments of intricate work. Between these are three rows of open panels which recede as they rise, encircled with five tiers of pinnacles, amounting in all to eighty; above are united eight crocketted ribs; and the whole is surmounted by a figure of John the Baptist. The base is composed of bold mouldings finished with “Tudor flowers”; to the lowest mouldings are attached four brass handles, to be used in raising the cover, a method now for the first time adopted to obviate the necessity of handling the carved woodwork. Around the base appears, in raised letters, the following inscription: - “To the glory of God this font cover is given in remembrance of George Lings, who faithfully did discharge for thirty years, his trust as Comptroller to the churchwardens and overseers of Manchester. He ceased from his labours October 23 1847. Not unto us, O Lord, but to thy name give glory.” The counterweight by which the font cover is vertically balanced, weighs 150lbs and is designed as a crown, bearing the words “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” It is from the workshop of Messrs Hardman of Birmingham. The font cover has been built by Messrs Phillip and Wynne, of 336 Oxford Street, from the drawings of Mr George Truefitt. It will be remembered that Mr Truefitt was the architect for our much-admired font, and certainly he has more than sustained his reputation. [Manchester Courier 25 November 1848 page 5]

Reference    RIBA Drawings Collection 1871
Reference    Manchester Courier 25 November 1848 page 5
Reference    Manchester Guardian 25 November 1848 page 7- almost identical report
Reference    Builder 9 December 1848 page 589