THE WHALLEY ABBEY VESTMENTS
Monday, 15th September, 2008
Susan Bourne’s lecture on The Whalley Abbey Vestments followed close on the heels of our visit to Whalley Parish Church and her opening slides illustrated the links between the abbey and the church. She continued by describing the route taken by the vestments between the dissolution of the abbey and the final resting place at Towneley Hall and then we were treated to close up digital photos of the embroidery and the embroidered panels of the vestments.
The Chasuble, the priest’s vestment worn for the celebration of mass, was a triumph of raised, rich red, velveteen strawberries on a gold background, the colours still fresh and vibrant and both the Chasuble and the Dalmatic (the Deacon’s vestment) had embroidered panels (The Orphreys) depicting the life of the Virgin Mary.
The betrothal of Joachim and Ann, Mary’s parents, the refusal of their offering to the church, the betrothal of Mary and Joseph, the Annunciation and Joseph’s suspicion were all depicted on the Dalmatic whilst the Nativity, the Virgin enthroned, the Adoration of the Magi, the Annunciation of the Shepherds, the massacre of the innocents, the flight into Egypt and the miracle of the palm tree were depicted on the Chasuble.
Although many of us had viewed the vestments on previous occasions, all agreed that the lecture and the close-up photography of the individual panels had enhanced our enjoyment and appreciation of these treasures.
After a visit to the displayed vestments, the evening finished with refreshments.
