We are saddened to hear of the passing of sculptor Imogen Stuart at the age of 96.
Knock Shrine is home to some beautiful examples of Imogen’s sacred art, including the 18 outdoor Holy Water fonts, the beehive meditation cell and the sculpture of St. Joseph in Knock Basilica.
“The Holy Spirit is most definitely in my work”
– Imogen Stuart in an interview with Brian Grogan SJ at Knock Shrine in 2017
The outdoor Holy Water fonts at the Shrine are familiar to pilgrims who traditionally gather here to take home Knock Holy Water. Crafted from white Portuguese limestone, the 18 Holy Water fonts by Imogen Stuart each contain a carved relief that depicts scenes from the bible and the lives of the Saints that are connected to water. They are an impressive feature in the area in front of the Apparition Chapel.
The angel showed me the river of life rising from the throne of God and of the Lamb- The Crucifixion: There came out blood and water.
- Holy Mary, star of the sea, Pray for us.
- Like the fish that lives in the water so lives the Christian in the water of Baptism;
- The dove came back to Noah with an olive branch:
- The Rainbow, the sign of Gods covenant with mankind
- Peter cried out Lord save me;
- Jesus was baptised in the Jordan by John
- Jesus said, Fill the jars with water Sir…
- The woman said: “Give me some of that water”
- He said to the sea, Peace, be still
- Jesus began to wash the disciples’ feet
- Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul
- Happy are those, they are like the tree that is planted beside the flowing waters;
- The Lord said to Moses you shall strike the rock
- Safe journey with Christ the Ark
- Patrick baptising
- Brendan the Navigator.
The beehive meditation cell was created by Imogen Stuart in 1990. In an increasingly chaotic world, it offers a personal centre for spiritual reflection and renewal. This meditation room is built of cedarwood, an extremely durable timber which was already used in biblical times. Every detail is hand-finished, from the inside and outside walls to the separate items. Traditional wood-joints have been used instead of nails. The door runs on a track and the door-handle is functional as well as decorative. The window and skylight are made of hand-cast glass, the leading in the former being in the shape of the old Irish St Brigid’s Cross.
The cell was made by the students of Moyne College, Ballina, Co. Mayo.
Imogen described her inspiration for the Beehive meditation cell, which is located in the Chapel of Reconciliation as follows:
“I have tried to recreate the beehive cell. In an increasingly chaotic world, it offers a personal centre for spiritual reflection and renewal. This beehive meditation room was built of cedarwood, an extremely durable timber which was already used in biblical times. Every detail is hand-finished, from the inside and outside walls to the separate items. Traditional wood-joints have been used instead of nails. The door runs on a track and the door-handle is functional as well as decorative. The window and skylight are made of hand-cast glass, the leading in the former being in the shape of the old Irish St Brigid’s Cross.”
Imogen Stuart was born in Germany in 1927 and her father was the art critic Bruno E. Werner. She was raised in the Lutheran church . She moved to Ireland in 1949 , where she became interested in Irish culture and the country’s religious heritage, and converted to Roman Catholicism.
As you visit Knock Shrine during this Holy Week, take time to reflect on the inspirational legacy of Imogen Stuart RIP.
The angel showed me the river of life rising from the throne of God and of the Lamb
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