PEAR TREE LOG

pear tree log: I started this blog to keep my younger son, Jonny, in touch with life in Lincolnshire, while he spent a year working in China. That year turned into five! Now he is home and training to become a physics teacher. This is simply a patchwork quilt of some of the things I enjoy - life in rural Lincolnshire, our animals, friends, architecture, books, the gardens, and things of passing interest.



Friday 21 October 2011

The Art of the Stonemasons and An Endearing Squeeze

I confess I love worked stone, especially old worked stone.  


Lincoln Cathedral is a magnificent building, in a spectacular setting, visible for many miles in most directions, but Google can tell you all you need to know about it.  


I love the stonework. 


Here are a few photographs which George took during our recent visit.
Soaring arches, ribbed and vaulted heights, beautiful windows, magnificence.
The beauty of the choir stalls echo the beautiful sound of the Cathedral Choir.
Soaring arches, columns, patterns and repetitions everywhere.  So exciting for a visual junkie like me.
It pays to lift your eyes heavenward occasionally.
One very different look in a side chapel:
all four walls are painted in this style, it was done in the 1950's.


Then comes my very favourite bit...
see the arch on the right-hand side of the photograph!  Did the stonemasons suddenly go eek! as they realised they had run out of space and then have to hastily squeeze in that final arch?  


In this undoubtedly beautiful building I just find it so endearing to find this squished in little feature.  


Lincolnshire is home to some lovely churches, many of them are tiny and rarely visited.  I plan to visit a few of them in the coming months so that I can share them with you.  


There is so much beauty in the compact, unadorned buildings.  I also know of one 'restored' (by a Victorian architect) church which I really dislike.  You will see why, or perhaps you will love it.  We'll see.


***


Jonny,


I hope you enjoyed this quick trip around the Cathedral.  I must admit I was also thinking about you as we wondered around, remembering your graduation ceremony there.


Don't forget to let us know when you will be available for a Skype call; I know it is your birthday tomorrow so you will be having fun and celebrating, but try to fit us in, if you can. 


Have a lovely weekend.


Lots of love,


Mum
xxx

4 comments:

  1. Hi there! I'm new to your blog, and all I can say about that cathedral is "WOW" . . . it is just stunning. My husband and I are also fans of carved stone, well actually, just about anything made in stone!

    I enjoyed my visit today!

    Mary

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  2. Hi Mary, Welcome! I am so pleased that you enjoyed our quick tour of the cathedral - especially as you understand, and share, an interest in stone.

    I'm really looking forward to showing you a few more Lincolnshire treasures!

    Elaine

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  3. What a funny little squeezed arch...you are right, in a masterpiece of such perfection it is amazing that this little faux pas would be here....but I love its whimsy! The cathedral is magnificent, Elaine! Wish I could go there and just sit and soak in all it's perfection and atmosphere!

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    1. Hello Marie, I'm so pleased you like it too. Every time I see that funny little arch I find myself wondering about the stonemasons who made it and how its' imperfection was received, were there any repercussions, etc.
      I'm certain you would enjoy spending several hours in the cathedral - as with most things it is worth booking a guided tour first and then doing a more leisurely wonder round to soak in the history of the building and the people who made it. PS I don't work for Lincoln tourist board, I just happen to really like the city!!

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