Study of the ‘cosmatesque’ mosaics published

Friday, 18th October 2019

Study of the ‘cosmatesque’ mosaics published

A nine-year, two-volume study into the Abbey's ‘cosmatesque’ mosaics has been published this week by Oxbow Books.

The books, by the Abbey's Archaeologist Warwick Rodwell and historian David S Neal, detail the findings of extensive conservation work on the mosaics, accompanied by a full archaeological recording of each stone.

Clearly written, these two volumes discuss the origin and architectural context of the cosmatesque work with detailed illustrations including recreated lost elements of the designs. The Abbey has the only surviving medieval mosaics outside Italy, comprising the Great Pavement in the Sanctuary, the pavement in the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor, and the decoration on the tombs of St Edward and Henry III.

The books are available for purchase from the Westminster Abbey Shop.