Patrons of the arts are necessary protectors of the industry and facilitate the realization of an idea. Owen Jones writes in the Grammar of Ornament that, “Architecture is the material expression of the wants, the faculties, and the sentiments, of the age in which it is created.” In this way, patronage is a form of expression. By offering financial support to an artist or a project, the patron is able to participate in the cause, interest, or belief.
Architecture is the material expression of the wants, the faculties, and the sentiments, of the age in which it is created.
Style in Architecture is the peculiar form that expression takes under the influence of climate and materials at command.
Owen Jones, Grammar of Ornament, Proposition 2
Throughout history, it is the patrons of works in collaboration with the artisans/craftsmen that allowed the arts to convey the priorities of culture. As an example, from Alexander the Great to Medieval Irish Monasteries to Carnegie, the construction of libraries for the preservation of texts was prioritized each for different reasons according to their time. The patrons, be it government leaders, the church, or individuals, devoted resources of labor and/or financial backing to ensure the protection of history, faith, knowledge, etc.
Image 1. Library of Alexandria Illustration by the German artist O. Von Corven. Image 2. Celtic Illuminated Manuscript by German artist O. Von Corven. Image 3. Carnegie Library Washington, DC designed by architect Albert Randolph Ross
The cathedrals of ancient, medieval, and modern, some built over the course of hundreds of years, stand the test of time as monumental expressions of love for beauty and faith. These magnificent structures came into being by the hands of craftsmen and artisans, who devoted the work and the years of their lives to building the structure. Many, if not most, of these peoples were also the body of the church’s congregation. The funding for the project may have been collected through the donations of the local congregation both monetary and skill, but also in large part raised by the competition of clergy and noblemen for the most beautiful church in the region. The end result allowed for a combined expression of beauty. The building could not have come into existence without the congregation to fill, the artisans to build, or the patrons who allocated money to the cause.
Before and After Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Thomas Aquinas College
In the case of chapel and church construction or restoration, the patrons of the project are subsequently the patrons and protectors of tradition and faith. The collaboration of architects, artisans, and craftsmen with the church as a theological guide, it is the generosity of patrons that creates an occasion for creativity. Though no two stories behind the construction and funding for a building are alike, the formula necessary for chapel and church restoration/construction remains relatively unchanged from past generations to now. With the intention to do well, the conviction to complete the project, and a substantial plan, the patrons will follow.
As a company in the business of restoring beauty to churches across America, we have witnessed many little miracles of unexpected donations and patrons for the cause of beauty. In congregations big and small, rich and poor, we have seen anonymous donations from across states, oceans, and countries to honor the beautification of a church which is home to childhood memories or ancestral connections. We are moved by the tears of the old folks at the unveiling of a mockup, as they remember the church as it was once decorated on the day of their First Communion and give what they can to see it completely restored once again. It is not uncommon to be surprised by people passing by, touched by the cause or the plan or the beauty, who wander in and want to be a part of the restoration of good.
St. John the Evangelist Church Clinton, MA after restoration
An incredible pastor of one of Canning’s church restoration projects once said in regards to fundraising and donors, “If you do good and beautiful things, they will come.” We have seen this time and again to be true. Money is a crucial part of the restoration of churches and chapels, but faith and determination precede it. All the money in the world cannot match a determined will to see something through to the end. Our team is continually inspired by the tenacity of priests and congregations, determined to show the beauty of their faith in the form of art and architecture; followed by the subsequent and unfailing generosity of beauty’s financial patrons to bring into reality the expression of faith and tradition in the twenty-first century.
