Unique commission for Isle of Wight leatherworker

The mother of Joanne Woolway Grenfell, the Bishop of Stepney, commissioned a crosier — a bishop's cross — and case for her daughter.

The unique case was made in Bonchurch by artist Sue Lowday, from sustainable vegetable tanned leather.

The crosier was made as a collaboration with Sussex Guild members Colin Norgate and Fleur Grenier.

The cross splits into three pieces to fit into the case so the Bishop can carry the case on her back on the London tube as she travels the city performing her duties.

The cross and the case are on the theme of a Gerard Manley Hopkins poem, As Kingfishers Catch Fire, Dragonflies Draw Flame.

This was very apt for Sue, as she was able to observe and draw inspiration from the resident kingfishers at Bonchurch Pond over the winter months.

Both the Bishop and her mother, Stephanie Grenfell, were delighted with the finished pieces, and the crosier and case have already been put to use, for the first time at Pentecost.

Sue said: "It was a very special commission that comes once in a lifetime."

Sue has made and supplied many interesting items over her career.

One of the very first sales of her leatherwork was to Prince Charles when he was visiting recipients of the Prince’s Trust.

Sue often exhibits her work on the Island.