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Sir Ninian Comper in Augmented Reality

Watch and listen as the architect of the chapel beneath St Mary Magdalen’s brings its rich history to life.

Instructions:

  1. Tap the button below to start
  2. Allow camera access when prompted
  3. When you open the experience, position the on-screen circle over the spot on the floor you’d like the Ninian Comper character to appear. When you are happy with the placement, press the ‘place character’ button.
  4. Turn up your volume or use headphones for the best experience
TRY AR EXPERIENCE

The Chapel That Launched a Legend

Following the death of Father Richard Temple West, funds were raised to create three memorials in his honour. The most significant of these was the Chapel of St Sepulchre, designed in 1894–95 by the young architect Ninian Comper. At the time, Comper was not yet widely known. His commission came through Father Bleaden, West’s successor at St Mary Magdalene’s, who had previously served as Vicar of St John’s in Aberdeen—Comper’s hometown. Bleaden knew Comper’s father and had taken an early interest in his work, giving the young architect one of his first major church commissions. The Chapel of St Sepulchre became one of Comper’s earliest accomplishments, marking the beginning of a distinguished career. He would go on to design many notable church interiors, furnishings, and stained-glass windows across Britain, celebrated for blending Gothic and classical styles. In recognition of his work, he was knighted in 1950. Comper died in 1960 and is buried in Westminster Abbey.