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Object 14. Bevis Marks Synagogue 300th Anniversary

2002

Description:

Raphael’s commemorative poems marking the 300th anniversary of Bevis Marks synagogue in 2002. The tercentenary event was attended by Prince Charles.

The poem tells the story from the start of Judaism through to the founding of the synagogue including the Jewish expulsion from Spain in 1492. It depicts London as ‘respite designed for wanderer’s despair’. Psalm 84 is printed in the border. The poem keenly makes links between the founders of the synagogue and the current worshippers.

The design and printing of item were by Tony Kitzinger, who handset the poem in the typeface originally cut for use in Spanish and Portuguese prayerbooks in the 1830s, but no longer available. He drew the border based on photographs taken by Raphael of the stucco inscriptions in the Toledo synagogue, at Raphael’s suggestion, thus emphasising the Spanish heritage of the community.

Credits: Leopold Muller Memorial Library, Raphael Loewe Archive, shelfmark: ARaphael 1,5