Member Article

Treske praised for “superb tribute to parishoner” at historic Lancashire church

Treske, the leading North Yorkshire bespoke manufacturer of furniture, kitchens and church furnishings, has designed and supplied a brand-new font in memory of a much-loved parishioner at a historic Lancashire church..

The company, based in Thirsk, has now installed the font at St Wilfrid’s Church in Standish, the only Grade I listed church in the borough of Wigan.

Canon Andrew Holliday, rector of St Wilfrid’s, commented: “We are absolutely delighted with our new font; it is everything we dreamed of. The key was to create a striking, modern piece of furniture which somehow looked at home within the historic surroundings of our church. That was not as an easy task, but Treske have pulled it off superbly.

“The font’s imaginative design, which reflects the waves and the sea so vividly, is a fitting tribute to our much-loved parishioner, while the execution and craftsmanship is exemplary. Our new font is a fantastic addition to our church, for which we are extremely grateful,” said Canon Holliday.

Justin Bartlett, managing director of Treske, explained: “The traditional stone font, situated at the west end of the church by the main door and fenced in with wooden railings, was not suitable for large gatherings, while its replacement had fallen into a state of disrepair.

“A bequest by a parishioner, who had been in the Royal Navy, allowed the church to commission a new font, themed on the sea. We were honoured to be given the commission. This was a very rewarding project for us, given the exciting brief and the proud history of the church. We are proud to be representing our region across the Pennines.”

He added: “Our aim was to create an exciting and striking design that fitted into the historic environment of St Wilfrid’s, whilst also being an individual piece of furniture in its own right. The font had to be in keeping and reflect the quality of the surrounding woodwork, while the design needed to have simplicity of form rather than reflect further complexity within the church. We are delighted that St Wilfrid’s feel we have achieved this.”

Dedicated to one of the most strong-willed and fieriest of saints, St Wilfrid’s has a rich and varied history.

Originally built by the wealthy Standish family in the century, it was completely remodelled in the 16th century in an imaginative combination of late Gothic and renaissance styles – creating a church with dignity and charm, enhanced by the 19th century Gothic tower.

Legendary architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner described St Wilfrid’s as the “one of the most important churches of the Elizabethan age”, while the church “has a warm, welcoming, much-used feeling inside”, according to Matthew Byrne in his Great Churches of the North West.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .