Stained Glass Window
The stained glass window in the chapel depicting St John the Baptist is by Christopher Webb (1952). It replaces a window by W. Wailes (1843) which was blown out in World War II. The wreath shows flowers likely to be found growing wild in Sussex on 24th June, St John’s Day. A Maltese Cross, representing the Knights of St John, and a Catherine wheel can also be seen.
Memorials
Standing against the south wall in the chapel is the impressive memorial to Margaret Miller, wife of Sir John Miller and family. The monument, erected shortly after 1701, consists of two Corinthian pillars, a baroque top with a crest, and two mourning cherubs. The chapel was renovated in 1924 in memory of Sir Hubert Miller’s son who was killed in World War I.
The big black slab visible on the floor of the chapel and bearing the words 'Redditurae animae depositum', is thought to be the grave slab of Bishop Henry King, whose monument can be seen in the north transept..
For 2025
Christ, 1983, Dame Elisabeth Frink.
This large bronze sculpture of Christ’s head is the work of Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993), one of the most significant sculptors of the twentieth century. It was originally part of a wider series of commissions for churches around Britain. It is notable for its large scale, and for its combination of strength and vulnerability.
Frink, who was influenced both by Christian iconography and classical artwork, depicts Christ as a universal figure, conveying a sense of humanity and relatability through using simplified human features and concentrating on facial expression.
Christ’s eyes are closed, conveying calm and serenity. The sculpture thus leads the viewer into a sense of stillness, prayer and contemplation: Another bronze sculpture of Elizabeth Frink, Walking Madonna is situated in the close of Salisbury Cathedral.
The sculpture was given to Pallant House Gallery in 2020 and is on loan to the cathedral by kind permission of the Director and trustees.