Stained Glass Windows

Post by **LovelyLadyLux** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 2:30 am

Double post - sorry

Post by **LovelyLadyLux** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 2:37 am

Love your photos Jojo! Such a shame that so many old buildings have fallen to shells of their former selves due to the ravages of time. Sutton Scarsdale must have been phenomenal in its day. Would have loved to have seen when it could flaunt its glory.

I found some photos I took a few years ago with my old point and shoot Canon 6.1pixels of the Coptic Museum in Cairo. I became particularly fascinted with this one window which was a work of art from both the inside and outside. There is some stained glass at the top that is best visualized from the inside looking out but the outside is also equally intricate.

I'm pretty certain, although I do not remember specifically, I was not allowed to take photos inside the Coptic Museum.

This is the main entrance way of the Coptic Museum and you can see another style of window on either side of the main door. I admire all of the exterior sculpture in the walls.

This is a close up photo of the windows from the outside

I have to admit although I really love windows and stained glass I also love entrance ways and gates too.

Finally I had to include here an inlaid sculpture. The word escapes me right now saying what this is.....(arabesque?) The precision of the detail and design is fascinating.

Which brings me to one other item about the photos Grandad submitted. Can you imagine and appreciate, NOW in our days of computers complete with advanced graphics program, the amount of work, skill and talent that went into designing buildings such as Grandad's cathedral? The height of the ceilings, the arches and all the repeated patterns of decoration on the walls and ceilings must have taken years to plan, implement and build. AND that these buildings have lasted this long is a testement to how well they were built.

Post by **Grandad** » Tue Jan 11, 2011 10:09 am

Jojo, I can imagine an agents advertisement:

Period house in country location. In need of some modernisation.

But thank goodness for English Heritage and The National Trust that so many of these old houses, castles etc are being maintained for the future.

I like your pictures of the Coptic museum LLL. Have been to Cairo several times but have not been there. Have been to a very old Coptic church in Cairo that I remember had many Icons but I have no photos unfortunately.

Regarding old and lofty buildings such as cathedrals, mosques etc. my thoughts are always with those who must have given their lives in the construction of such places. Crude and dangerous building practices must have neant that accidents were, sadly, common place.

You mention the skill of the craftsmen of the day. Those crafts continue today and are necessary for the upkeep of 'my' Cathedral. They have a world class stonemasons department who, using stone from the original region, replace the likes of window frames, gargoyles etc. as they become dangerous. Their specialist stained glass department takes on commisions from around the world because their expertise is so highly regarded.

At the present time there is a £2 million window restoration programme under way with some windows removed for this work. Other windows have been removed for frames to be replaced and these windows are on display in the crypt.........

Post by **LovelyLadyLux** » Wed Jan 12, 2011 2:41 am

I agree Grandad - how many workers fell off of scaffolds or had the scaffolds fall on them? How many got maimed or injured when equipment broke or was inferior to the job?

My own Grandfather was a Stone Mason and worked on many churches and huge old buildings. He was quite a craftsman and strong as a horse even in his later years.

That is quite a sizeable amount of funds set aside for that restoration project but to preserve those glass windows is a task that just cannot be left or ignored. Their preservation is paramount.

Post by **LovelyLadyLux** » Wed Jan 12, 2011 3:02 am

Grandad - meant to say I'm quite fascinated with "bronze of Christ entitled Son of Man, by David McFell. It was cast in 1988."

I have not heard of David McFell but am impressed with his work. Is this statue 'life size' or ? It is an interesting depiction. When I was first scrolling down and saw the head it crossed my mind - "what is a photo of the head of Abraham Lincoln doing in England." Then I saw the rest of the body and your explanation. To me the hair style and beard is interesting as is the attire. The clothes (to me) is rather reminiscent of Ghandi. I guess I'm seeing a cross section of men known in recent times as leaders and men of peace and faith.

I wonder if there is significance that the "Son of Man" has only one hand free and the other holding his garments?

Post by **Grandad** » Wed Jan 12, 2011 10:14 am

LLL, you might like to read this link about the statue.

http://davidmcfall.co.uk/Documents/1988 ... %20Man.pdf

Sadly David McFall died before he was able to see his statue unveiled. It is 7 foot 7 inches tall but the link will give some clues to your other questions.

Post by **LovelyLadyLux** » Thu Jan 13, 2011 5:27 am

Very interesting info Grandad. Quite appreciated. The poor sculpturer really suffered. He must have really been in extreme anguishing pain yet he carried on. I am so glad he succeeded in finishing what he gave his life to accomplish before his own demise. I do hope he was able to feel satisfaction and contentment that he made something very incredible that will last for all time.

Post by **Grandad** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 8:43 pm

Well, it has taken from 9 Jan until now to find a couple of hours to go to my Cathedral to get some inside shots.....It's either me doing something else or there is a service with the Cathedral closed to visitors. They have 20 to 30 services a week so I had to check their diary to confirm that this morning was OK.

I have not included any windows in the following series of pictures. Many have been removed for restoration work and, to be honest, there are superb photos of them windows online, much better tha I could hope to get.

Just to respond to Morgitas question, many windows DO tell a story by a series of panels. Others record an event like Beckets murder or a coronation. Others are the larger images of Saints, Kings and Archbishops etc.....

In the following I take you through the body of the Cathedral from the West end to the East.

This is an image of the Nave at the East end. Apart from services this area is also used for concerts, recitals, graduations etc.

At the East end of the Nave steps rise to what is called The Holy Cross. This area is below the main tower, Bell Harry. Looking up, this spectacular ceiling can be seen and usually missed by the casual visitor.

From this point there is an arched doorway leading to The Quire.

Passing through the archway we come to the Quire Stalls and the higher part of the Cathedral.

These are the north Quire stalls, there is a mirror arrangement on the south side.

I think this is a magnificent view, the Presbytery and high altar at the east end.

Finally there is a circular area for the High Altar. The footprint of this area is somewhat like a coronet and the space is knowns as Beckets Corona.

As with all Cathedrals, Canterbury contains many tombs, graves and plaques; as well as many small chapels. I have included the following three pictures to illustrate some of the points of interest.

Firstly the tomb of The Black Prince. There is no reliable record of why he was so called but he was Edward Prince of Wales 1330 - 1376. He died a year before his father, Edward lll, and was succeeded by his 11 year old son, Richard ll.

This is an image of The Lady Chapel by The Martyrdom. It is closed to visitors but the colours give it a contemporary look.

Finally and probably most poignant, The Martyrdom, the spot where Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170.

I hope that has not been too boring but as some had asked to see the inside of my Cathedral I felt bound to complete my little project.

PS. I didn't like to take a tripod so these are all hand held, as the lack of sharpness shows.........

Post by **Bearded Brian** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 9:22 pm

Thanks Grandad

Post by **Horus** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:12 pm

Absolutely fabulous Grandad

:
The quality is excellent,

indeed some even have an HDR quality about them. I for one appreciate all the time and effort you have put in to take the pictures and to upload them along with some background information, very well done and thanks again for such great photo's.

Post by **JOJO** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:25 pm

Fantastic Grandad, particularly the tomb of the Black Prince!!Loved it-thank you.

Post by **LovelyLadyLux** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 11:14 pm

FANTASTIC Grandad! Absolutely WONDERFUL!

You photography is excellent and the photos awesome. I love the photo and info on the Black Prince as well as the Martrydom where Thomas Becket was murdered however my favourite photo has to be the ceiling. It is totally superb as well. The detail those workers of old put into their work is awe inspiring. I wonder if they considered themselves 'workers' or 'artisans?'

Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this Grandad. I have enjoyed this immensely.

Post by **Grandad** » Thu Jan 20, 2011 3:44 pm

Thanks for your nice comments folks

Like many of you I get a lot of pleasure out of wandering around with the camera, then deleting most when I get home.

At least these little excursions around town make me walk and leave the car at home.

Post by **Horus** » Thu Jan 20, 2011 4:37 pm

I'm with you there Grandad, deleting most of my photographs, but enjoying my walk.

Post by **Grandad** » Wed Feb 09, 2011 5:14 pm

I wandered into the Cathedral this morning hoping to grab a picture of the latest sculpture. This is 'Transport' by Antony Gormley. The man seems to have an obsession with the human form and this is yet another, this time a human shape created from old nails recovered when the Cathedral roof was restored.

Unfortunately it is suspended from the ceiling in the Crypt and there was a service in progress so, next time.....

So as not to waste my visit I took a few pics. I was greeted by this monster in the Nave when I enterred...

It is actually a telescopic platform used for maintenance and replacing lamps high up near the arches.

Just to add to earlier pictures, this is the font in the Nave

and this is the Nave Pulpit.

I will get a picture of the Gormley because I think it will promote a discussion about its title.?????

Post by **LovelyLadyLux** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 4:39 am

Terrific photos Grandad. The pulpit is beautiful. Colours wonderful.

Post by **Horus** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 10:49 am

Smashing photos Grandad,

thanks for posting. I would not want to meet the spider monster on my way in

Looking forward to your other pictures when you get them, the pulpits are usually so beautifully made as shown in your photo, the one I posted in my last article was made entirely of polished marble.

Post by **Kiya** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 1:21 pm

Great pics Grandad, looking forward to seeing more

Post by **Grandad** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 2:41 pm

Thanks for your comments guys and gals but I was just filling time waiting for two watches to have new batteries fitted.

I will get a picture of the sculpture ASAP because I will be interested in your comments about it. Photography not allowed in the Crypt so I shall have to sneak some shots on my little tiny compact.......

Watch this space

Post by **Grandad** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 5:09 pm

The weather girl had promised a lovely sunny day today so I went off to the Cathedral to complete my little project. Sadly the sun did not show its face until mid afternoon so I didn’t get the brightness I was hoping for, never mind, here goes.

The Cathedral is full of shrines and chapels, stained glass windows and centuries old relics. There are some pictures available online but there is SO much more than can be found there. Here are just a few more points of interest leading as promised to the Antony Gormley artwork.

Located in the South East Transept is the Book of Remembrance. There is a short service of prayer there every morning at 11 am during which a page is turned. The books contain the names of fallen servicemen from this area.

Trinity Chapel towards the east end of the Cathedral is where Beckets Shrine last stood until it was destroyed under the orders of Henry Vlll. The chapel floor contains a large mosaic and two sets of Zodiac roundels from the 1200’s. They depict months, labours, vices, virtues and heroes. This is the set of twelve on the north side.

Moving back down to the Nave, set into the floor is a compass rose of brass with some colour signifying the Worldwide Anglican Communion. It is modern but sits well with all the other adornments.

I have mentioned before that much of the stained glass panels have been removed for restoration. Moving down to The Crypt there is an impressive display of the Cathedral silver but, with no photography allowed, I can’t show you that. I did sneak a couple of shots of some stained glass panels that have been restored. These are displayed with back lighting before eventually being re-set in their window frames. These are about 1.3 meters tall and absolutely stunning. You seldom have the opportunity to view these so closely. They are all from around 1210 AD.

And finally, the Gormley, unveiled on 30 January this year. This is suspended from the ceiling of the eastern crypt. It is a 3 dimensional creation of the human form (what else would it be from Gormley), about 2 meters long and constructed entirely from ancient nails recovered when part of the cathedral roof was restored. It hangs above the original site of Beckets shrine and is entitled ‘TRANSPORT’

Gormley said “We are all temporary inhabitants of our bodies”. I guess the significance of this creation and its location could represent what remains of Becket with the nails, pointing in and out, signifying his brutal death. Most of Gormleys works are outside, The Angel of The North, and, Another Place etc. but this is designed to be inside…..

PS. I walked away from the Cathedral though the Christ Church Gate into The Buttermarket where a young lady was playing Bach on her flute, no doubt to help with her student expenses. It is a pedestrian area so no traffic noise and there were only a few visitors and the notes were clear and pure……wonderful.