St James
Reredos, Organ Case and Panelling – Photographs (PWDRO 116/111, 244/4 & 244/5); 1912 with later additions and alterations
The same photograph in two albums at the PWDRO (244/4 & 244/5) shows the elaborately carved reredos assembled in the workshop prior to despatch. Another photograph was taken in the church, presumably soon after installation, of an identical reredos (116/111). This is not labelled and only recently identified as being at Iddesleigh. At some point, parts of the reredos were changed. The deep inverted cresting shown in the photographs was replaced by coving with cresting above and the curved brackets either side became semi-kneeling praying angels. The carved pieces that were removed were not wasted, however, as they were used to ornament the front of the organ case. Plans by E.H. Sedding exist (DHC 1626B/P/30-34) as well as a faculty dated 1911 (DHC DEX/9/a/2/Iddesleigh/17). Plans from both sources show that an alternative idea for the central panel of the reredos was for a nativity rather than a calvary scene. Another plan (DHC 1626B/P/32) is for ‘new top for reredos and panelling’. The reredos was presented to the church in 1912 (Ellis, undated).
Sources
DHC 1626B/P/30-34 Plans. Iddesleigh. Reredos.
DHC DEX/9/a/2/Iddesleigh/17 Faculty. Iddesleigh. Reredos.
Ellis D. (undated) The Church of St James, Iddesleigh. Unpublished guide within church.
PWDRO 116/111 Photograph. Various. Reredos and Window.
PWDRO 244/4 Photograph Album. Various. Woodcarvings.
PWDRO 244/5 Photograph Album. Various. Woodcarvings.