Does the term medieval guild evoke any historic charm for the average church-goer? We on the west coast of Canada have our own version of history, and almost none of it comes close to the concept of a medieval guild. But if asked, most of us would be able to give a brief description of what guilds were, when they existed, and how they functioned. Even operas refer to them, take Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg by Wagner, for example. But when some skill-set is led and taught by an expert, who in her own right was led and taught by an expert, (in this case, her mother), we have in its essence, the core of the medieval concept of a guild.
St. Christopher’s, West Vancouver is blessed to have its own, in the existence of the Altar Guild whose embroidered art work has enriched the church since 1991. The Master is Victoria Gemmell, who has designed the pieces, then worked with a group of at least 12 people over the years. Working with them involves teaching them the art of canvas work, and supervising the stitchery. The designs she creates are inspired by historic Christian symbols, and empathy for the architecture of the church designed by Robert A.D. Berwick of the well-known Vancouver firm of Thompson Berwick and Pratt. The materials are wool on an open canvas stretched on a frame. Repair, moth prevention and storage, are all part of the responsibility of the group. Behind the Altar in the guild room is a well-designed cabinet that houses the altar frontals.
Among the impressive collection of canvas work adorning the church are altar frontals, a baptismal altar hanging, cushions and seat covers for 10 chairs, and Victoria Gemmell’s very first challenge, a wedding kneeler. She has also done the gold work (metallic covered thread) for the burses and veils that dress the chalice to match three altar frontals.The altar frontals are stitched in the appropriate colours for the church seasons, with designs that refer to subject matter of the period. For example: Lent is purple with a design of the cross flanked by crowns of thorns. The most often used frontal is green with dogwood flowers framed by Celtic crosses. Red is used for Palm Sunday, Trinity Sunday and for the installation of a priest. White is for festivals and memorial services. Blue is for Advent.
St. Christopher’s is very fortunate to have in Victora Gemmell a very talented and experienced fabric artist. She has brought her skills and commitment from her home in England where she learned the craft from her mother who was also a dedicated fabric artist. Not only has she given her craft into the service of God, in His church of St. Christopher’s, but she has also inspired a new group of artists who are carrying on her work. This may not be a medieval guild, but on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, many miles away from the source of this craft, the beat goes on, and on!Images: Top, the Altar Guild at work repairing altar frontals: Winnie Butterfield, Victoria Gemmell, the Rev. Michael McGee and Patricia Bice. Middle right and homepage, altar cloths (burses and veils) showing gold work done by Victoria Gemmell. Lower left, a wedding kneeler crafted by Victoria Gemmell. PHOTOS: Hilary Clark