Two Sheffield Hallam University metalwork graduates have crafted a new ceremonial crosier for the Bishop of Sheffield, after winning a competition organised by the University.
The competition, which launched last year, marked the centenary of stainless steel. The winning graduates, Stefan Tooke and Nick Palmer, were commissioned to design and make the new crosier, using silver supplied by the Assay Office.
The old crosier, which is 100 years old this year, is not allowed to leave the cathedral, and cannot be used in ceremonies in other parishes. The new crosier, made of stainless steel, silver, gold plated silver and wood, unscrews into three parts and can be easily transported.
It was presented to the Bishop of Sheffield, Steven Croft, at a ceremony at the newly-refurbished Sheffield Cathedral.
Bishop Steven said: “I’m very grateful to Sheffield Hallam for organising this competition, and to the two great designers and makers who created this wonderful piece. I wanted something that I can use at ceremonies outside of the cathedral, and that captures Sheffield’s industrial heritage, and the new crosier fits that brief perfectly.”
The crook at the top of the crosier is made entirely from stainless steel, and is engraved with Psalms 95.1 and 95.7. The flames are fashioned from gold-plated silver, and the crucible underneath the head is made from silver. Underneath the crucible is a laser-cut steel tube with blue detail which symbolises Sheffield’s rivers.
Stefan and Nick, who both studied metalwork and jewellery at Sheffield Hallam, used a combination of traditional welding, piercing and spinning techniques to create the crosier, along with modern approaches such as laser-cutting. Nick is currently designing the new trophy for the St Leger race.
Partner organisations involved in making the crosier include Sheffield Hallam University, the Assay Office, and the Laser Cutting Company.
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