Saving a church
| Our Lady Star of the Sea, Amlwch Mair Seren Y Mor |
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Our Lady Star of the Sea
is well known on the Isle
of Anglesey for its unique
design - shaped like an
upturned boat, the Catholic
church has long been a
landmark around the town
of Amlwch (am-lock) on
the A 5025 to Holyhead.
After the church fell into
disrepair. The newly
restored Church was
opened and re-dedicated
on May 1st 2011
is well known on the Isle
of Anglesey for its unique
design - shaped like an
upturned boat, the Catholic
church has long been a
landmark around the town
of Amlwch (am-lock) on
the A 5025 to Holyhead.
After the church fell into
disrepair. The newly
restored Church was
opened and re-dedicated
on May 1st 2011
Our story begins with an SOS, an appeal to Save Our Star. The ‘Star’ in question is a Church building – Our Lady Star of
the Sea and St. Winifrede’s Amlwch Anglesey. It has long been a reference point for sailors looking for a safe haven in times
of storm or tempest. The storms that damaged ships off the northern coastline of Anglesey have battered our Church too.
Time and the elements have caused so much damage that this Grade II* Listed building could no longer serve as a house of
prayer worship, its empty hall, beneath, could no longer function as the hub of the community, because of Health and Safety
concerns.
the Sea and St. Winifrede’s Amlwch Anglesey. It has long been a reference point for sailors looking for a safe haven in times
of storm or tempest. The storms that damaged ships off the northern coastline of Anglesey have battered our Church too.
Time and the elements have caused so much damage that this Grade II* Listed building could no longer serve as a house of
prayer worship, its empty hall, beneath, could no longer function as the hub of the community, because of Health and Safety
concerns.
The Isle of Anglesey’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), has one of the most distinctive, attractive and varied
landscapes in the British Isles. Approximately 2 million people visit the island each year attracting people from North Wales
the North West of England and also visitors from overseas. In terms of recreation the island offers a number of opportunities
to both residents and visitors alike, the majority enjoying the fine sandy beaches and the coastal landscape.
Our Lady Star of the Sea lies on a site betwixt two of the ten areas on the Island, Cemaes and Dulas
landscapes in the British Isles. Approximately 2 million people visit the island each year attracting people from North Wales
the North West of England and also visitors from overseas. In terms of recreation the island offers a number of opportunities
to both residents and visitors alike, the majority enjoying the fine sandy beaches and the coastal landscape.
Our Lady Star of the Sea lies on a site betwixt two of the ten areas on the Island, Cemaes and Dulas
Giuseppe Rinvolucri 1894 - 1963
Dottore Ingeniere Rinvolucri’s approach to design was first, in his son
Mario’s words, to ‘dream’. He went to the site and considered the
particular topology; then, before drawing up any plans, he would paint in
water colour a representation of the completed building, as it looked in his
imagination, in its site. Only then would he begin detailed work on the
plans.
In his church architecture, Rinvolucri was influenced by Francesco Gallo,
an eighteenth century architect - also from Piedmont - whose baroque
churches he admired. Each Rinvolucri church is a strong, individual
statement, and Our Lady, Star of the Sea at Amlwch is a Grade 2* listed
building, considered a dramatic and radical design in perfect keeping with
its setting (it is shaped like a tall upturned boat). In each case, he also
designed a presbytery, saying that the bishop would appreciate a good
house for the priest to live in.
Mario’s words, to ‘dream’. He went to the site and considered the
particular topology; then, before drawing up any plans, he would paint in
water colour a representation of the completed building, as it looked in his
imagination, in its site. Only then would he begin detailed work on the
plans.
In his church architecture, Rinvolucri was influenced by Francesco Gallo,
an eighteenth century architect - also from Piedmont - whose baroque
churches he admired. Each Rinvolucri church is a strong, individual
statement, and Our Lady, Star of the Sea at Amlwch is a Grade 2* listed
building, considered a dramatic and radical design in perfect keeping with
its setting (it is shaped like a tall upturned boat). In each case, he also
designed a presbytery, saying that the bishop would appreciate a good
house for the priest to live in.
