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.
#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
I cannot deny that it is this St Catherine that touches the heart most.
This is a detail from from a chancel screen 1500–1555 by an unknown artist, in the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell. St Catherine wears ermine & is surrounded by flowers. @stroudstory.bsky.social @simoninsuffolk.bsky.social
This is a detail from from a chancel screen 1500–1555 by an unknown artist, in the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell. St Catherine wears ermine & is surrounded by flowers. @stroudstory.bsky.social @simoninsuffolk.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 9:10 PM
I cannot deny that it is this St Catherine that touches the heart most.
This is a detail from from a chancel screen 1500–1555 by an unknown artist, in the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell. St Catherine wears ermine & is surrounded by flowers. @stroudstory.bsky.social @simoninsuffolk.bsky.social
This is a detail from from a chancel screen 1500–1555 by an unknown artist, in the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell. St Catherine wears ermine & is surrounded by flowers. @stroudstory.bsky.social @simoninsuffolk.bsky.social
St Catherine, my namesake. The gruesome instruments of her martyrdom are somewhat subdued, thankfully. Her tawny bronze tones complement her contemplative gaze. @churchartnature.bsky.social
St Catherine of Alexandria
Vittore Crivelli (c.1444–1501 or later)
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford via ArtUK
St Catherine of Alexandria
Vittore Crivelli (c.1444–1501 or later)
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford via ArtUK
November 25, 2025 at 9:03 PM
St Catherine, my namesake. The gruesome instruments of her martyrdom are somewhat subdued, thankfully. Her tawny bronze tones complement her contemplative gaze. @churchartnature.bsky.social
St Catherine of Alexandria
Vittore Crivelli (c.1444–1501 or later)
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford via ArtUK
St Catherine of Alexandria
Vittore Crivelli (c.1444–1501 or later)
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford via ArtUK
I spy #CathedralClutter, in Salisbury! Will this detritus one day overwhelm the tribute to Thomas, Lord Wyndham?
I find the imagery itself troubling anyway.
Hibernia weeps, holding a rod & draped harp; by an urn there is a purse for the Great Seal of Ireland. @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
I find the imagery itself troubling anyway.
Hibernia weeps, holding a rod & draped harp; by an urn there is a purse for the Great Seal of Ireland. @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 2:50 PM
I spy #CathedralClutter, in Salisbury! Will this detritus one day overwhelm the tribute to Thomas, Lord Wyndham?
I find the imagery itself troubling anyway.
Hibernia weeps, holding a rod & draped harp; by an urn there is a purse for the Great Seal of Ireland. @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
I find the imagery itself troubling anyway.
Hibernia weeps, holding a rod & draped harp; by an urn there is a purse for the Great Seal of Ireland. @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
Feeling chilly in Salisbury Cathedral? Tuck up cosy-warm like this gentleman, James, first Earl of Malmesbury!
He has a coronet tucked under his pillow, just in case formal attire is required. 🌟🫅 @portaspeciosa.bsky.social @chartresfi.bsky.social
#MonumentsMonday Sculpted by Francis Chantrey.
He has a coronet tucked under his pillow, just in case formal attire is required. 🌟🫅 @portaspeciosa.bsky.social @chartresfi.bsky.social
#MonumentsMonday Sculpted by Francis Chantrey.
November 24, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Feeling chilly in Salisbury Cathedral? Tuck up cosy-warm like this gentleman, James, first Earl of Malmesbury!
He has a coronet tucked under his pillow, just in case formal attire is required. 🌟🫅 @portaspeciosa.bsky.social @chartresfi.bsky.social
#MonumentsMonday Sculpted by Francis Chantrey.
He has a coronet tucked under his pillow, just in case formal attire is required. 🌟🫅 @portaspeciosa.bsky.social @chartresfi.bsky.social
#MonumentsMonday Sculpted by Francis Chantrey.
#AllMetalMonday on a ramble with a friend from Farringdon to the British Library, there were many visual treats - this balcony situated on a London terraced house prominent among them! @julietlegg.bsky.social
Winter sunshine makes all the difference; summer's heat dulls architectural delights!
Winter sunshine makes all the difference; summer's heat dulls architectural delights!
November 24, 2025 at 10:38 AM
#AllMetalMonday on a ramble with a friend from Farringdon to the British Library, there were many visual treats - this balcony situated on a London terraced house prominent among them! @julietlegg.bsky.social
Winter sunshine makes all the difference; summer's heat dulls architectural delights!
Winter sunshine makes all the difference; summer's heat dulls architectural delights!
Spot the supplementary internal buttressing in the triforium, in this shot of the interior of Salisbury Cathedral!
This sacred building is not going to collapse, if it can help it. Lavish quantities of Purbeck Marble to right & left add gravitas to the picture. @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
This sacred building is not going to collapse, if it can help it. Lavish quantities of Purbeck Marble to right & left add gravitas to the picture. @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Spot the supplementary internal buttressing in the triforium, in this shot of the interior of Salisbury Cathedral!
This sacred building is not going to collapse, if it can help it. Lavish quantities of Purbeck Marble to right & left add gravitas to the picture. @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
This sacred building is not going to collapse, if it can help it. Lavish quantities of Purbeck Marble to right & left add gravitas to the picture. @portaspeciosa.bsky.social
Headstops at the West end of St Mary's, Nottingham.
The face on the right looks well clad for the cold weather, but the stonemasons have given life (left) to a face that seems bundled up in over-sized dishcloths!
The W end was rebuilt in facsimile by the Victorians. @chartresfi.bsky.social
The face on the right looks well clad for the cold weather, but the stonemasons have given life (left) to a face that seems bundled up in over-sized dishcloths!
The W end was rebuilt in facsimile by the Victorians. @chartresfi.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Headstops at the West end of St Mary's, Nottingham.
The face on the right looks well clad for the cold weather, but the stonemasons have given life (left) to a face that seems bundled up in over-sized dishcloths!
The W end was rebuilt in facsimile by the Victorians. @chartresfi.bsky.social
The face on the right looks well clad for the cold weather, but the stonemasons have given life (left) to a face that seems bundled up in over-sized dishcloths!
The W end was rebuilt in facsimile by the Victorians. @chartresfi.bsky.social
#SundayStonework at St Mary's in the Lace Market, Nottingham.
As the sun went down, these two fine gargoyle beasties still had some spring in their step, as I admired them before heading for home. @chartresfi.bsky.social
Plenty of handsome Perpendicular detail also available.
As the sun went down, these two fine gargoyle beasties still had some spring in their step, as I admired them before heading for home. @chartresfi.bsky.social
Plenty of handsome Perpendicular detail also available.
November 23, 2025 at 9:08 AM
#SundayStonework at St Mary's in the Lace Market, Nottingham.
As the sun went down, these two fine gargoyle beasties still had some spring in their step, as I admired them before heading for home. @chartresfi.bsky.social
Plenty of handsome Perpendicular detail also available.
As the sun went down, these two fine gargoyle beasties still had some spring in their step, as I admired them before heading for home. @chartresfi.bsky.social
Plenty of handsome Perpendicular detail also available.
It's rained all day and been persistently gloomy, but in my heart I am glad, for the brightness of Salisbury Cathedral is stamped firmly in my memory.
Left, an angel photographed on Monday; right, the same angel, in April 2022.
Kept in order on both occasions by @portaspeciosa.bsky.social.
Left, an angel photographed on Monday; right, the same angel, in April 2022.
Kept in order on both occasions by @portaspeciosa.bsky.social.
November 22, 2025 at 5:48 PM
It's rained all day and been persistently gloomy, but in my heart I am glad, for the brightness of Salisbury Cathedral is stamped firmly in my memory.
Left, an angel photographed on Monday; right, the same angel, in April 2022.
Kept in order on both occasions by @portaspeciosa.bsky.social.
Left, an angel photographed on Monday; right, the same angel, in April 2022.
Kept in order on both occasions by @portaspeciosa.bsky.social.
The process of walking, looking, spotting & appreciating, is thoroughly enjoyable. @churchartnature.bsky.social @iangrebe.bsky.social
I did some prep looking at the Historic England listings for Clerkenwell, & then we were off.
This fine Rosebery Avenue bridge pierced railing demanded attention!
I did some prep looking at the Historic England listings for Clerkenwell, & then we were off.
This fine Rosebery Avenue bridge pierced railing demanded attention!
November 22, 2025 at 12:10 PM
The process of walking, looking, spotting & appreciating, is thoroughly enjoyable. @churchartnature.bsky.social @iangrebe.bsky.social
I did some prep looking at the Historic England listings for Clerkenwell, & then we were off.
This fine Rosebery Avenue bridge pierced railing demanded attention!
I did some prep looking at the Historic England listings for Clerkenwell, & then we were off.
This fine Rosebery Avenue bridge pierced railing demanded attention!
The sights we saw in Clerkenwell in the winter sunshine really exceeded my expectations! @julietlegg.bsky.social
Rosebery Avenue Bridge Viaduct, 1890. Cast-iron supported by buff brick arches & iron rivetted beams. Decorated panels to sides surmounted by pierced railing with trefoil pattern.
Rosebery Avenue Bridge Viaduct, 1890. Cast-iron supported by buff brick arches & iron rivetted beams. Decorated panels to sides surmounted by pierced railing with trefoil pattern.
November 22, 2025 at 11:59 AM
The sights we saw in Clerkenwell in the winter sunshine really exceeded my expectations! @julietlegg.bsky.social
Rosebery Avenue Bridge Viaduct, 1890. Cast-iron supported by buff brick arches & iron rivetted beams. Decorated panels to sides surmounted by pierced railing with trefoil pattern.
Rosebery Avenue Bridge Viaduct, 1890. Cast-iron supported by buff brick arches & iron rivetted beams. Decorated panels to sides surmounted by pierced railing with trefoil pattern.