TRIBUTES have been paid to Anthony Blee, the man who played a key role in the New Coventry Cathedral’s design and construction before marrying his wife in the building, who has passed away aged 88.
In 1959, Anthony married Gillan Spence, the daughter of architect Sir Basil Spence, in the first wedding in the Cathedral while to building was still incomplete.
He was the architect and designer who worked on the cathedral’s design after joining the Basil Spence Partnership in 1957, as a graduate, shortly after the foundation stone was laid.
He was involved with many aspects of the design and construction, together with associated buildings.
In 1965, Anthony met with stained glass scholar Peter Newton and conservator Dennis King to examine the Cathedral’s medieval glass fragments to incorporate them into the repaired Haigh Chapel in the ruined Cathedral.
The success of this idea saw more fragments conserved and incorporated around the Cathedral.
The Dean of Coventry Cathedral, the Very Rev John Witcombe said: “We were very sad to learn of the passing of Anthony Blee, who played such a significant part in the realisation of the Cathedral.
“I often remember him explaining when we met at a reception at St Mary’s Guildhall about how he laid out the design for the beautiful suspended ceiling, in the days before Computer Aided Design.
“And of course Anthony and his wife Gillian were the first to be married in the new Cathedral, as we were reminded in the wonderful BBC4 documentary by John Wyver, Coventry Cathedral: Building for a New Britain, which was such an excellent tribute to the building and all those that played a part in its creation.
“We give thanks for Anthony, and remember him and all the family in our prayers.”
Cathedral Archivist, Dianne Morris added: “We are grateful for his vision and skill in designing outstanding elements of our magnificent Cathedral.
“We are all incredibly thankful for the life and work of Anthony, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”
