CathyLoweBerkshire
@cathylowe.bsky.social
Enthusiast. Churches and cathedrals, Modernist architecture, music especially Mozart, birding especially swans. My son is a hospital doctor; I once worked in the NHS in health education/public health.
#AdventAngels Walking into St Margaret's, Kings Lynn, this stone carved pairing of a beautiful angel and a very strange critter (seemingly trying to eat its own paws, right) greeted me.
What a wonderful start to my first visit. @chartresfi.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social
What a wonderful start to my first visit. @chartresfi.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social
December 8, 2025 at 10:28 AM
#AdventAngels Walking into St Margaret's, Kings Lynn, this stone carved pairing of a beautiful angel and a very strange critter (seemingly trying to eat its own paws, right) greeted me.
What a wonderful start to my first visit. @chartresfi.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social
What a wonderful start to my first visit. @chartresfi.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social
#AdventAngels I absolutely love the image used on this Christmas stamp design.
But the Stamp Advisory Committee rejected the design on 13 January 1970, and it lives on only in the Archives of The Postal Museum.
By John Sutherland-Hawes.
But the Stamp Advisory Committee rejected the design on 13 January 1970, and it lives on only in the Archives of The Postal Museum.
By John Sutherland-Hawes.
December 7, 2025 at 8:32 PM
#AdventAngels I absolutely love the image used on this Christmas stamp design.
But the Stamp Advisory Committee rejected the design on 13 January 1970, and it lives on only in the Archives of The Postal Museum.
By John Sutherland-Hawes.
But the Stamp Advisory Committee rejected the design on 13 January 1970, and it lives on only in the Archives of The Postal Museum.
By John Sutherland-Hawes.
Rejected #AdventAngels!
I feel a fascination with the proposed stamp designs that were sent on their way by what I imagine to be the rigorous Stamp Advisory Committee.
This beautiful angel failed to please on 13 January 1970. Perhaps the blue background was too powerful? Postal Museum.
I feel a fascination with the proposed stamp designs that were sent on their way by what I imagine to be the rigorous Stamp Advisory Committee.
This beautiful angel failed to please on 13 January 1970. Perhaps the blue background was too powerful? Postal Museum.
December 6, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Rejected #AdventAngels!
I feel a fascination with the proposed stamp designs that were sent on their way by what I imagine to be the rigorous Stamp Advisory Committee.
This beautiful angel failed to please on 13 January 1970. Perhaps the blue background was too powerful? Postal Museum.
I feel a fascination with the proposed stamp designs that were sent on their way by what I imagine to be the rigorous Stamp Advisory Committee.
This beautiful angel failed to please on 13 January 1970. Perhaps the blue background was too powerful? Postal Museum.
A 2nd reason to visit Canterbury Cathedral; to spend more time admiring this interpretation of the Nativity, by Christopher Whall. #AdventAngels
A so-so photo, but still there's delight in the angels' fabulous blue feathers & the prominent place given to the ox in the stable. @iangrebe.bsky.social
A so-so photo, but still there's delight in the angels' fabulous blue feathers & the prominent place given to the ox in the stable. @iangrebe.bsky.social
December 5, 2025 at 12:17 PM
A 2nd reason to visit Canterbury Cathedral; to spend more time admiring this interpretation of the Nativity, by Christopher Whall. #AdventAngels
A so-so photo, but still there's delight in the angels' fabulous blue feathers & the prominent place given to the ox in the stable. @iangrebe.bsky.social
A so-so photo, but still there's delight in the angels' fabulous blue feathers & the prominent place given to the ox in the stable. @iangrebe.bsky.social
A tiny but warmly vibrant detail from Harry Stammers' superb window in Canterbury Cathedral. #AdventAngels
I definitely need a return visit in 2026. Five lights, 1959. @churchartnature.bsky.social
I definitely need a return visit in 2026. Five lights, 1959. @churchartnature.bsky.social
December 5, 2025 at 12:09 PM
A tiny but warmly vibrant detail from Harry Stammers' superb window in Canterbury Cathedral. #AdventAngels
I definitely need a return visit in 2026. Five lights, 1959. @churchartnature.bsky.social
I definitely need a return visit in 2026. Five lights, 1959. @churchartnature.bsky.social
#LesArmoiriesDuVendredi in this 1951 window in Romsey Abbey.
By Francis Skeat, with heraldic shields, & St. Swithun (gift of Rev William Henry Birch Corban). Includes a handsome ship (right). @horatioforever.bsky.social
By Francis Skeat, with heraldic shields, & St. Swithun (gift of Rev William Henry Birch Corban). Includes a handsome ship (right). @horatioforever.bsky.social
December 5, 2025 at 9:37 AM
#LesArmoiriesDuVendredi in this 1951 window in Romsey Abbey.
By Francis Skeat, with heraldic shields, & St. Swithun (gift of Rev William Henry Birch Corban). Includes a handsome ship (right). @horatioforever.bsky.social
By Francis Skeat, with heraldic shields, & St. Swithun (gift of Rev William Henry Birch Corban). Includes a handsome ship (right). @horatioforever.bsky.social
Christopher Whall's early C20th windows in Holy Trinity, Sloane Square, were one of my personal highlights of 2025.
Colours, texture, draperies, feathers, quarries, all heavenly. @churchartnature.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social
Colours, texture, draperies, feathers, quarries, all heavenly. @churchartnature.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Christopher Whall's early C20th windows in Holy Trinity, Sloane Square, were one of my personal highlights of 2025.
Colours, texture, draperies, feathers, quarries, all heavenly. @churchartnature.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social
Colours, texture, draperies, feathers, quarries, all heavenly. @churchartnature.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social
Another Muscovy Duck with a gentle gaze pictured here, after I had visited the church.
December 4, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Another Muscovy Duck with a gentle gaze pictured here, after I had visited the church.
#AdoorableThursday in Burford, with Romanesque decoration & delicate ironwork.
Also most decorative, the sweetly iridescent Muscovy Ducks that live contentedly in the town by the River Windrush. @iangrebe.bsky.social
Also most decorative, the sweetly iridescent Muscovy Ducks that live contentedly in the town by the River Windrush. @iangrebe.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 9:34 AM
#AdoorableThursday in Burford, with Romanesque decoration & delicate ironwork.
Also most decorative, the sweetly iridescent Muscovy Ducks that live contentedly in the town by the River Windrush. @iangrebe.bsky.social
Also most decorative, the sweetly iridescent Muscovy Ducks that live contentedly in the town by the River Windrush. @iangrebe.bsky.social
#AdventAngels Few stained glass artists have surpassed Christopher Whall's angels - shown here in a memorial window in Worcester Cathedral.
Their tawny feathers, their sumptuous drapery, their music - all invite the living to find repose in their luminous beauty. @churchartnature.bsky.social
Their tawny feathers, their sumptuous drapery, their music - all invite the living to find repose in their luminous beauty. @churchartnature.bsky.social
December 2, 2025 at 9:41 PM
#AdventAngels Few stained glass artists have surpassed Christopher Whall's angels - shown here in a memorial window in Worcester Cathedral.
Their tawny feathers, their sumptuous drapery, their music - all invite the living to find repose in their luminous beauty. @churchartnature.bsky.social
Their tawny feathers, their sumptuous drapery, their music - all invite the living to find repose in their luminous beauty. @churchartnature.bsky.social
#TextileTuesday brings a vibrant altar frontal from Romsey Abbey to the fore.
Handsome Romanesque arches behind, & above the altar is a low-relief of the Madonna and Child, which was made in 1935 by Martin Travers. @horatioforever.bsky.social @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
Handsome Romanesque arches behind, & above the altar is a low-relief of the Madonna and Child, which was made in 1935 by Martin Travers. @horatioforever.bsky.social @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
December 2, 2025 at 10:27 AM
#TextileTuesday brings a vibrant altar frontal from Romsey Abbey to the fore.
Handsome Romanesque arches behind, & above the altar is a low-relief of the Madonna and Child, which was made in 1935 by Martin Travers. @horatioforever.bsky.social @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
Handsome Romanesque arches behind, & above the altar is a low-relief of the Madonna and Child, which was made in 1935 by Martin Travers. @horatioforever.bsky.social @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
#December1st Pity the poor Robin, so bold and versatile a singer! Their musical realm is invaded at this time of year by well-meaning carol singers.
John Nash saw the funny side with this Christmas card design showing carol singers and a robin, 1963. Tate Gallery. @churchartnature.bsky.social
John Nash saw the funny side with this Christmas card design showing carol singers and a robin, 1963. Tate Gallery. @churchartnature.bsky.social
December 1, 2025 at 3:28 PM
#December1st Pity the poor Robin, so bold and versatile a singer! Their musical realm is invaded at this time of year by well-meaning carol singers.
John Nash saw the funny side with this Christmas card design showing carol singers and a robin, 1963. Tate Gallery. @churchartnature.bsky.social
John Nash saw the funny side with this Christmas card design showing carol singers and a robin, 1963. Tate Gallery. @churchartnature.bsky.social
#MonumentsMonday I had a distinctly sinking feeling in the churchyard at South Stoke.
Would this memorial masonry launch itself towards the centre of the Earth, sweeping me up with it?
Fortunately, the life-sized Nativity figures were on hand (or hoof) to save me! @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
Would this memorial masonry launch itself towards the centre of the Earth, sweeping me up with it?
Fortunately, the life-sized Nativity figures were on hand (or hoof) to save me! @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
December 1, 2025 at 3:21 PM
#MonumentsMonday I had a distinctly sinking feeling in the churchyard at South Stoke.
Would this memorial masonry launch itself towards the centre of the Earth, sweeping me up with it?
Fortunately, the life-sized Nativity figures were on hand (or hoof) to save me! @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
Would this memorial masonry launch itself towards the centre of the Earth, sweeping me up with it?
Fortunately, the life-sized Nativity figures were on hand (or hoof) to save me! @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
The window reflects an historical event in Nightingale’s life, at the age of sixteen, when she received a clear ‘call’ from God.
The words ‘Here am I, send me’ (Isaiah 6:8) express her understanding of personal mission and how it drove her life’s work.
The words ‘Here am I, send me’ (Isaiah 6:8) express her understanding of personal mission and how it drove her life’s work.
November 30, 2025 at 7:38 PM
The window reflects an historical event in Nightingale’s life, at the age of sixteen, when she received a clear ‘call’ from God.
The words ‘Here am I, send me’ (Isaiah 6:8) express her understanding of personal mission and how it drove her life’s work.
The words ‘Here am I, send me’ (Isaiah 6:8) express her understanding of personal mission and how it drove her life’s work.
Fine modern stained glass in Romsey Abbey. This detail of a window, 2020, by Sophie Hacker, about Florence Nightingale, shows the uppermost portion, with a swallow, owl and nightingale.
The whole window is shown below. @iangrebe.bsky.social @thehistorymouse.bsky.social @stroudstory.bsky.social
The whole window is shown below. @iangrebe.bsky.social @thehistorymouse.bsky.social @stroudstory.bsky.social
November 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Fine modern stained glass in Romsey Abbey. This detail of a window, 2020, by Sophie Hacker, about Florence Nightingale, shows the uppermost portion, with a swallow, owl and nightingale.
The whole window is shown below. @iangrebe.bsky.social @thehistorymouse.bsky.social @stroudstory.bsky.social
The whole window is shown below. @iangrebe.bsky.social @thehistorymouse.bsky.social @stroudstory.bsky.social
#StainedGlassSunday A boat with Apostles, right, and left, the comfort of calm yet watchful sheep, adorning this window in Romsey Abbey.
James Powell 1902 windows in memory of Georgiana Tollemache, 1822-1901; designed by Charles Hardgrave. @horatioforever.bsky.social
James Powell 1902 windows in memory of Georgiana Tollemache, 1822-1901; designed by Charles Hardgrave. @horatioforever.bsky.social
November 30, 2025 at 7:24 PM
#StainedGlassSunday A boat with Apostles, right, and left, the comfort of calm yet watchful sheep, adorning this window in Romsey Abbey.
James Powell 1902 windows in memory of Georgiana Tollemache, 1822-1901; designed by Charles Hardgrave. @horatioforever.bsky.social
James Powell 1902 windows in memory of Georgiana Tollemache, 1822-1901; designed by Charles Hardgrave. @horatioforever.bsky.social
And thanks to @portaspeciosa.bsky.social, I can now locate the description in Pevsner, which confirms what you and Steve say.
Pevsner says it is "wonderful unrestored C13th work" with shallow niches for statues. Full description below - the reference to "nodding cusped heads" is spot!
Pevsner says it is "wonderful unrestored C13th work" with shallow niches for statues. Full description below - the reference to "nodding cusped heads" is spot!
November 30, 2025 at 1:06 PM
And thanks to @portaspeciosa.bsky.social, I can now locate the description in Pevsner, which confirms what you and Steve say.
Pevsner says it is "wonderful unrestored C13th work" with shallow niches for statues. Full description below - the reference to "nodding cusped heads" is spot!
Pevsner says it is "wonderful unrestored C13th work" with shallow niches for statues. Full description below - the reference to "nodding cusped heads" is spot!
A closer look at the arcading - the crocketed(?) pillars are curiously & delightfully "frilly"! @thehistorymouse.bsky.social @chartresfi.bsky.social
November 30, 2025 at 10:27 AM
A closer look at the arcading - the crocketed(?) pillars are curiously & delightfully "frilly"! @thehistorymouse.bsky.social @chartresfi.bsky.social
#AdventAngels in Salisbury Cathedral.
@portaspeciosa.bsky.social I know that I very much liked the arcading and the angels above, but I cannot work out what this space was used for, or what it is properly called?
Likely you told me at the time, and I have forgotten, but can you help please?
@portaspeciosa.bsky.social I know that I very much liked the arcading and the angels above, but I cannot work out what this space was used for, or what it is properly called?
Likely you told me at the time, and I have forgotten, but can you help please?
November 30, 2025 at 10:22 AM
#AdventAngels in Salisbury Cathedral.
@portaspeciosa.bsky.social I know that I very much liked the arcading and the angels above, but I cannot work out what this space was used for, or what it is properly called?
Likely you told me at the time, and I have forgotten, but can you help please?
@portaspeciosa.bsky.social I know that I very much liked the arcading and the angels above, but I cannot work out what this space was used for, or what it is properly called?
Likely you told me at the time, and I have forgotten, but can you help please?
A snap on the way back to the railway station. Romsey sparkles ✨️
November 30, 2025 at 10:15 AM
A snap on the way back to the railway station. Romsey sparkles ✨️
#TerrificTerracotta4Friday The bell may ring here for a handsome public library in Romsey.
Pretty detail in the stonework, which I love to see. A palmette right at the top I believe (a symmetrical group of spreading "fronds" that emerging from a single base). @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
Pretty detail in the stonework, which I love to see. A palmette right at the top I believe (a symmetrical group of spreading "fronds" that emerging from a single base). @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
November 28, 2025 at 12:41 PM
#TerrificTerracotta4Friday The bell may ring here for a handsome public library in Romsey.
Pretty detail in the stonework, which I love to see. A palmette right at the top I believe (a symmetrical group of spreading "fronds" that emerging from a single base). @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
Pretty detail in the stonework, which I love to see. A palmette right at the top I believe (a symmetrical group of spreading "fronds" that emerging from a single base). @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
The lamps were lit as Farringdon called me home, from dawdling in John Street, with No 35's entrance flanked by wrought-iron lamp brackets.
Hist England's description of the wooden Ionic doorcases with modillion cornices & pediments, & "pulvinated" friezes, delights. @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
Hist England's description of the wooden Ionic doorcases with modillion cornices & pediments, & "pulvinated" friezes, delights. @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 2:14 PM
The lamps were lit as Farringdon called me home, from dawdling in John Street, with No 35's entrance flanked by wrought-iron lamp brackets.
Hist England's description of the wooden Ionic doorcases with modillion cornices & pediments, & "pulvinated" friezes, delights. @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
Hist England's description of the wooden Ionic doorcases with modillion cornices & pediments, & "pulvinated" friezes, delights. @thehistorymouse.bsky.social
Many cheers for Historic England's listing description pinning down this very #AdoorableDoor in Clerkenwell.
No 27: round-arched doorways with reeded doorframes, lion mask stops, mutule cornice-heads, patterned radial fanlights & panelled doors. No 27 with lamp-holder incorporated in fanlight.💫
No 27: round-arched doorways with reeded doorframes, lion mask stops, mutule cornice-heads, patterned radial fanlights & panelled doors. No 27 with lamp-holder incorporated in fanlight.💫
November 27, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Many cheers for Historic England's listing description pinning down this very #AdoorableDoor in Clerkenwell.
No 27: round-arched doorways with reeded doorframes, lion mask stops, mutule cornice-heads, patterned radial fanlights & panelled doors. No 27 with lamp-holder incorporated in fanlight.💫
No 27: round-arched doorways with reeded doorframes, lion mask stops, mutule cornice-heads, patterned radial fanlights & panelled doors. No 27 with lamp-holder incorporated in fanlight.💫
#AdoorableThursday in Doughty Street, Clerkenwell.
Skipping past the Charles Dickens museum, I was so chuffed to see a series of gorgeous doors & doorways opposite. With @julietlegg.bsky.social.
Thrill to the overthrow with lamp 🌟 and the distinctly chonky boot scraper and stylish railings.
Skipping past the Charles Dickens museum, I was so chuffed to see a series of gorgeous doors & doorways opposite. With @julietlegg.bsky.social.
Thrill to the overthrow with lamp 🌟 and the distinctly chonky boot scraper and stylish railings.
November 27, 2025 at 1:57 PM
#AdoorableThursday in Doughty Street, Clerkenwell.
Skipping past the Charles Dickens museum, I was so chuffed to see a series of gorgeous doors & doorways opposite. With @julietlegg.bsky.social.
Thrill to the overthrow with lamp 🌟 and the distinctly chonky boot scraper and stylish railings.
Skipping past the Charles Dickens museum, I was so chuffed to see a series of gorgeous doors & doorways opposite. With @julietlegg.bsky.social.
Thrill to the overthrow with lamp 🌟 and the distinctly chonky boot scraper and stylish railings.
Lovely day out in Romsey today. I went to visit the Abbey but got distracted by the shop windows full of adorable Miffy cuddlies. @thros.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Lovely day out in Romsey today. I went to visit the Abbey but got distracted by the shop windows full of adorable Miffy cuddlies. @thros.bsky.social