Chapel Font

Chapel Font
Chapel Font
2019/16003

2000- / Colour / Paper / Photograph / Wesley's Chapel
Photograph
c.2000

The photograph shows the font inside Wesley's Chapel, City Road.

The central bowl made of stone is medieval and was originally installed in the parish church in Madeley, where John Fletcher (1729-85) was curate. The top and bottom part, made from alabaster, are 19th century. Inside the font is a hollowed-out, square piece of sandstone, which has an incised pattern. The stone has links with Nathaniel Gilbert of Antigua, an early Methodist who converted and preached to his slaves. The stone's incised patterns are deeply meaningful, symbolising the breaking of the fetters of slavery.