NEW Sheila Fleet Kirkwall Shop Update!
Sep 6, 2024
After two years of working behind-the-scenes on our new Kirkwall Gallery location, we thought it ...
Sheila designed her latest beautiful new collection, Garnet Cathedral, as part of the centennial commemorations of the Battle of Jutland.
The British Grand Fleet left for Jutland from Scapa Flow in Orkney and returned here after the naval battle. Orkney is hosting the national commemoration of Jutland, centered around St Magnus Cathedral. A poppy display flows from one of the Cathedral’s high stained glass windows and an official service will take place in the Cathedral on the anniversary of the battle.
Sheila’s Garnet Cathedral design is associated with St Magnus Cathedral and the poppies, which remember those lost in war.
The sterling silver shape originates from a carving on an alterstone that once stood in the Cathedral. The alter no longer exists but the carved stone can still be seen in the east wall below the rose window.
The red garnet stone, set by hand into the sterling silver design of Garnet Cathedral, reflects the poppies and honours the memory of those we love.
Poppies: Weeping Window forms part of the national commemorations of the Battle of Jutland. Over 8000 men lost their lives at Jutland when the two of the most powerful naval forces in the world clashed. Jutland proved decisive to the outcome of the First World War. Believing defeat of the British Grand Fleet was no longer possible, the German command reverted to submarine warfare. This move ultimately drew America into the war bringing a swifter end to the fighting.
The poppies are a symbol of remembrance, a tribute to those who gave their lives in the First World War and at Jutland. Each poppy remembers a life lost. Created by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, the poppies originally streamed down the Tower of London. The stunning display can be seen in Orkney until 12 June 2016.
The unique hand-crafted ceramic petals of the poppies formed the perfect background for our photoshoot of Garnet Cathedral. We had a busy day with Jodie Mann, a talented young photographer from Edinburgh, and our special guest…
Sheila asked Cathedral Organist, Heather Rendall, if she would model Garnet Cathedral – we were delighted when she said yes! Heather has played the organ in St Magnus Cathedral at christenings, weddings, funerals and even concerts for over 20 years. We photographed her in the jacket she wears when she’s playing, there’s a story behind her red top!
Heather was a wonderful model, who patiently looked every way we asked, smiled with her lips open and closed, let us photograph her with the poppies outside and inside at the Cathedral organ. Best of all she played for us and the Cathedral reverberated to her music…
Heather embodies the dignity and respect associated with the commemoration, the poppies, the Cathedral… and of course the memories we have of those we love.
On Tuesday 31 May Heather will play for the Princess Royal and state representatives of the United Kingdom and Germany at the official morning service commemorating Jutland. She told us she’ll be wearing Garnet Cathedral…
We hope you enjoy Sheila’s new collection.