Compiled by Judith Field
Many people will be familiar with the breath-taking painting of scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary at the altar in the oldest part of Truro Cathedral, St Mary’s Aisle. But few will know the story of the man behind it: Frank Pearson.
Frank Pearson was born into a family of architects in 1864. An only child, his mother Jemima died when he was just one-year-old, and his heartbroken father sent him to be brought up by her sister, Sarah, on the Isle of Man.
That father was John Loughborough Pearson, the architectural powerhouse behind Truro Cathedral. Famous for his Gothic Revival designs, with soaring spires and vaulted ceilings, Pearson senior undertook at least 210 projects in his illustrious 54-year career, most of which are now listed buildings.
The young Frank had hoped to go to university and study civil engineering, but his father had other plans – he had won the design competition for Truro Cathedral in 1878, and it was to be his masterpiece. Now, needed a reliable helper for the decades-long project it would become.
So, in 1881, at the age of only 17, Frank joined his father’s company to work on the construction of Truro Cathedral.
He was a talented artist and produced many of the architectural drawings and illustrations for the firm. One of his pictures shows a tantalising glimpse of what the bank of the Allen River could have looked like, had sufficient funds been available – the ambitious plan to join the cathedral to what is now the Old Cathedral School, using cloisters and an octagonal Chapter House, never came about.
John Loughborough Pearson died just before Christmas 1897, by which time Frank had gained enough confidence and experience to go on to finish the cathedral for him in 1910.
One of his tasks was the internal fittings of St Mary’s Aisle, and here again Frank showed his artistic genius. Not only was he responsible for the delicate wrought ironwork that is such a distinctive feature of the aisle, but he also designed the three panels of the inspirational painting at the altar.
Installed in 1900, the centrepiece of this dazzling artwork shows the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus with the Wise Men and their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Although he would go on to complete many of his father’s other building designs, adding a little of his own creativity along the way, the greatest achievement of both father and son is Truro Cathedral.
Entry is free with donations towards the upkeep welcomed.
• For a full listing of events and Christmas services see the website www.trurocathedral.org.uk or social media @TruroCathedral
A very Merry Christmas from the team at the cathedral!