ABSTRACT
Extensive research has revealed that three large fragments of a high cross, currently on display inside the entrance to Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, N. Ireland, were once part of a monument known as ‘St. Patrick’s Cross’, which may date back to circa 800 AD. In 2017 Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council agreed to fund the construction of a replica to be placed in the grounds of the Cathedral. Depending on the direction of the light cast on these three remaining, heavily weathered fragments, signs of complex ornament could be seen, and this suggested that more could be uncovered. In an attempt to reveal these hidden details and make this portion of a replica as true to the original as possible, the pieces were 3D laser scanned and then 3D modeled. These models were used to digitally investigate how they may have looked and how they may have fitted together. This digital process greatly improved the visualization of the intricate carving, revealed hitherto unseen details, and greatly assisted in making sure the replica was to the correct proportions.
