Alton Church, Reredos 1898.

The image is of the new reredos (the ornamental screen covering the wall at the back of an altar) at St Lawrence Church, it was unveiled on St Lawrence Day, the 10th August 1898.

Intended as a memorial to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, fundraising for the new reredos had begun as early as 1897 with people offering direct donations and local fundraising events such as a bazaar organised by the wife of the Bishop of Winchester at the Assembly Rooms on the 24th November 1897, an article in the paper the following day reported that:

‘There was a large attendance. The new reredos is intended as a memorial to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and will cost about £300. Of this £220 has already been subscribed.’

Designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield and carved in English oak the centre panel depicts the resurrection, to the left of the centre panel is St Lawrence, St Mathew & St Mark and to the right St Swithun, St Luke & St John. A new altar cloth described as ‘a fine specimen of ecclesiastical embroidery’ was also presented to the church ahead of the dedication service.

The Lord Bishop of Winchester Randall Davidson conducted the dedication service, many local clergymen attended including:

Rev Whyley, of St Lawrence Church, Rev Theobald, Vicar of Lasham, Rev Vaughn, Vicar of Langrish, Rev Hervey, Vicar of Hartley Mauditt & West Worldham, Rev Maclachlan, Vicar of Newton Valence, Rev Lethbridge, Vicar of Froyle & Rev Palmer, Vicar of East Worldham.