186 Victoria Ave Manchester M9 0RR
Architect: Weightman & Bullen 1958
Thy were also responsible for St Mary’s Leyland.
This is the result of my two visits to St Clare’s – an urban church which is kept open each day. I urge you to visit as and when you can, you will be rewarded by an uplifting experience – the most refined, calm and spiritual space.
A striking example of post-war church design built for the Franciscans, combining original modern forms and references to historic ecclesiastical architecture. The church predates the Second Vatican Council, and is of traditional basilican plan. Apart from the original sanctuary arrangements, the interior is well preserved, with furnishings of note – the large mosaic over the high altar, depicting St Clare of Assisi raising the Blessed Sacrament by Georg Mayer-Marton, stained glass by Joseph Nuttgens, Stations of the Cross by David John.
Mayer Marton was also responsible for the fresco and mosaic mural at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Oldham – which is currently under threat.
There is a large west window grid, continued at the base, where it is angled out, to form a canopy over the entrance. Mosaics in this position have been overpainted or lost.
Modern Mooch 
What a shame about the Church of the Holy Rosary in Oldham and that the Mosaics in the west window have been overpainted or lost. I can’t help but feel that there should be some organisation somewhere dedicated to saving such wonderful buildings and art works – the church or the local authority or the government. But it’s down to ‘market forces’ I guess… not enough parishioners to keep it up, no collection plate, and there’s another church across town they can go to, and the cost of doing the repairs! Not like the old days when one of the flock would bring their ladder and fix the leak of a Saturday off work. Now you need scaffolding and someone to hold the ladder…
But I digress. St Clare’s Church looks magnificent. I love the cross pattern in the vaulted ceiling, and the asymmetric alcove spaces. Weightman & Bullen should be proud (if pride in one’s work is allowed). The building is suitably big and tall, quite puts us mere mortals in our places, which, I guess, was the point of it all. Reminds me a little of the look and feel of Coventry Cathedral. And the organ looks impressive!!! All those pipes!!!
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