Monmouth School was delighted to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, to the School on Tuesdayfor the official dedication of a new mosaic. The Archbishop gave a blessing to the new mosaic of St David in the three lights of a former window in Monmouth School Chapel. The mosaic has been designed, created and installed by local artist, Dee Hardwicke, who was commissioned by Monmouth School. Dee is a fine art ceramicist who specialises in richly coloured and beautifully intricate bespoke tiles and mosaic pieces. Living and working in Monmouth alongside Architects, developers, designers and the Church, her bespoke tiles can be found in some of Britain's finest homes, gardens and civic buildings. The Tryptych wasdedicated to the parents of Old Monmothians as a tribute to their care, discipline and blessing. The mosaic features Dewi Sant the Patron Saint of Wales, surrounded by the local hills of the Sugar Loaf and the Skirrid, with a stream of water, sporting 12 fish running through the landscape. A large part of the cost of the project has been met by the generosity of the Old Monmothians, the Haberdashers' Company and private donations. Reverend Gavin Knight, Chaplain at Monmouth School, said: "We were delighted Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, accepted our invitation to bless our new Chapel mosaic. "The Archbishop has always been supportive of the arts and we were keen to welcome him back to his native Wales". Dr Williams arrived at the school soon after 9am and took part in a private service in Monmoiuth School Chapel. This was followed by a reception in the school library. A spokesman for the school said: "This is a most ambitious project, but one that will hopefully enlighten countless generations of boys about a hero of Celtic Christianity. A large part of the cost of the project has already been met by the generosity of the Old Monmothians, the Haberdashers' Company and private donations". Living and working in Monmouth alongside Architects, developers and the Church, Dee's bespoke tiles can be found in some of Britain's finest homes, gardens and civic buildings. Dr Williams has for many years been a friend to both Monmouth School and Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls, confirming pupils, ordaining the girls' school Chaplain and inspiring staff and pupils alike."
