Designs for the Altar of St. Paul’s Cathedral: The Comparative Visions of Sir Christopher Wren and Thomas Garner, Shanna M. Patton

Thomas Garner’s 1888 design for the altar and reredos at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral is typically remembered as controversial and inconsistent with the vision of church’s original architect, Sir Christopher Wren.  However, this essay will provide a new context for appreciating Garner’s work by juxtaposing evidence of Wren’s unexecuted design with Garner’s executed design.  By comparing their situational contexts and recognizing the congruencies in their styles, this research will demonstrate how Garner’s design reflected more of Wren’s classic style than has previously been acknowledged.