Ernest William Tristram (1882-1952) was a prominent medievalist art historian and painter. His watercolour reproductions of the medieval wall paintings at the Cathedral stand as an exceptional record.

The watercolours remain in the Cathedral collections and were photographed during the Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions project.

Tristram’s watercolour reproduction of the painting over the previous Lady Chapel archway reveals the extent of this exceptionally rare all-women mural (read more in Medieval Lady Chapel Mural by Rev. Lindsay Llewelyn.

Tristram describes the painting in enthusiastic detail in his : ‘There are three tiers of paintings, the middle and the lowest tiers being separated by a band of green ornamented with quatrefoils. The subjects are framed within painted niches of very elaborate design, the vaulting, piers, capitals and masonry all being drawn in great detail, by means of incised line as previously mentioned, and the canopies and supporting piers richly ornamented. The colour used on the architectural features is cream, or light buff, outlined in red. The figures stand upon painted consoles composed of foliage resembling maple and ivy; their drapery is cream in colour, shaded in bright green, the linings to mantles, etc., being tinted generally with pink or light red.’

The series of watercolours also includes closeups, revealing the remarkable level of detail present in the original medieval paintings which are not apparent from floor-level.

Tristram’s reconstructions were based on stains in the plaster and the artist’s incised setting-out lines. Most of the mural has been scraped clean.

Tristram’s watercolour of the painted heralds and scenes in the Crypt are of use in identifying the chapel and altar it once decorated. Find out more in Crypt Colours by Randolph Jones.

A crucifixion is located high on a buttress in the south quire aisle.

Again a fine level of detail is recorded, aiding Tristram’s interpretations of features and evidence such as pose. Tristram writes ‘The figure of Christ is depicted hanging upon the cross, curved as though in agony, with the head bowed upon the right shoulder, and streams of blood issuing from the wounds. The loin-cloth is red and bordered with roundels, and the cross outlined in bright green.’

Tristram was a prolific producer of reproduction watercolours. The study of medieval church art today still benefits from this record. Tristram’s watercolours at Rochester Cathedral were displayed in the south quire aisle for almost 100 years before they were removed during the Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions project to prevent further light damage. They are periodically exhibited in the Cathedral Crypt and are available for viewing on request.

Jacob Scott

Heritage Officer