Artwork

Screen between the choir and the north aisle of Carlisle Cathedral

Christina Corbett , 1900

Screen between the choir and the north aisle of Carlisle Cathedral is a drawing by Christina Corbett. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Christina Corbett’s 1900 pencil drawing records the ornamental screen that once divided the choir from the north aisle of Carlisle Cathedral. The study presents the screen’s elevation, a cross‑sectional view, and annotated details, functioning as a precise architectural plan for its construction or restoration.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing focuses on the screen’s decorative program, highlighting a central round medallion bearing a human face, surrounded by intricate foliage scrolls, circular motifs, and elaborate linear patterns. Flanking the central panel are two slender columns capped with ornate capitals, suggesting a synthesis of medieval iconography and later decorative tastes.

Technique & Style

Executed in graphite, the study employs fine hatching and line work to convey depth, texture, and the three‑dimensional form of the screen. Corbett’s meticulous labeling, such as “DADO PANEL” and “DETAILS OF SHAFTS”, indicates a methodical approach typical of early‑20th‑century architectural documentation.

History & Provenance

Created in 1900, the drawing was produced during a period of renewed interest in the conservation of English cathedrals. It now resides in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it serves as a reference for scholars examining the cathedral’s historic interior fittings.