Manchester Cathedral: Fraser Memorial Chapel

Sculptor          James Forsyth
Executed by    Earp Son and Hobbs

Designs have now been prepared by Mr. J. S. Crowther, the Manchester Cathedral architect, for the erection of the Memorial Chapel to the late Bishop Eraser, promised by Mrs. Fraser. The chapel will be formed by taking out one of the Pilkington stained-glass windows or the extreme south-east window on the south side of the chancel aisle. The window in question will be preserved, and will form the window of the Memorial Chapel, the altar tomb and effigy- being immediately under its light. After considering the details of the scheme and comparing the estimates of local sculptors, it has been decided to entrust the execution of the memorial to Mr. Forsyth. The cost of the effigy, with angels at the head and feet, will be 750 guineas. If the tomb be enriched with panels and figures, in accordance with the design which Mr. Crowther is preparing, it is calculated that an additional sum of £1,200 will be required. {British Architect 12 March 1886 page 270]

FRASER MEMORIAL CHAPEL - The altar tomb for the reception of the recumbent effigy of Bishop Fraser is now being raised in the Fraser Memorial Chapel in the Manchester Cathedral. The cenotaph will be completed and Mr. Forsyth's marble figure of the Bishop placed in position towards the end of the present month.  [Building News 10 June 1887 page 901]

MONUMENT TO THE LATE BISHOP FRASER. - This monument, to be placed in Manchester Cathedral, is also in the present Academy exhibition. It is designed by Mr. Jas. Forsyth, and will rest on an altar-tomb designed by Mr. Crowther, the Cathedral Architect, and executed by Messrs. Earp & Hobbs, of Manchester. [Builder 25 June 1887 page 935]

MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL — The chapel erected by Mrs Fraser in the Manchester Cathedral in memory of her husband, the late Bishop Fraser, is now completed by the erection of an exceedingly beautiful screen, which forms an entrance into the chapel. The design which is of the same period - Early Perpendicular - as the other parts of the original collegiate church, is by the cathedral architect, Mr J S Crowther, and has been excellently carried out by Messrs Earp, Son, and Hobbs of London and Manchester. The dimensions of the screen, which is composed of fine Dantzic oak, are 11 feet 6 inches in height and 10 feet in width. [Church Times 23 March 1888 page 255]

Reference        Manchester Guardian 30 January 1886 page 10
Reference        Manchester Guardian 10 March 1886 page 9
Reference        Manchester Guardian 20 March 1886 page 9
Reference        British Architect 22 July 1887 Page 71
Reference        Manchester Guardian 8 July 1887 page 8
Reference        Building News 10 June 1887 page 901
Reference        Builder 25 June 1887 page 935
Reference        Manchester Guardian 3 August 1887 page 5