Tag Archives: Salisbury Cathedral

Font as a Work of Art

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It is an interesting contrast when you see modern artwork in an ancient setting. I suspect some people can’t get their heads around it but when something is hundreds of years old, there will be many generations of styles that will have been embodied and why not add something new. The font in Salisbury Cathedral was a fascinating addition to the setting. The size and shape of it combined with the reflective qualities of the water within really looked interesting. It had people around it most of the time which limited what pictures I could get but trying to hone in on sections of it or focus on the reflective properties was what I tried for whilst accepting I wasn’t going to spend too long messing around.

Who Would Get a Slot and Who Has One?

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I was looking at the various statues on the outside of the cathedral in Salisbury. Normally I will not pay that much attention to the details of these statues, but I paused for a few minutes and noticed the differences between the people represented. It was easy to tell the priests because they were all standing with a hand raised as if giving the sign of the cross. There were a bunch that weren’t in that pose, though. Some looked like they might be specific trades – presumably those involved in building or maintaining the cathedral itself.

The other thing that struck me was that, while there were loads of of alcoves on the façade of the cathedral, they weren’t all occupied. Presumably, when they built it they recognised that additional individuals – bishops I guess – would be deserving of their own slot at some point. Whether there weren’t enough worthy people or they just stopped adding statues, I do not know. I wonder what it would take to add someone new at this point?

Salisbury Cathedral

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We decided to go to Salisbury one Saturday to do a few chores. We also thought a wander in a different town would be worthwhile. The biggest feature of Salisbury is its cathedral. It includes the tallest spire in the UK. We ended up spending a bit of time walking around inside and out. There are some specific elements of the cathedral that I shall include in their own posts. However, this is a more general overview of the building.

The view from outside is pretty imposing. I think I once photographed it from the air where it really does look impressive. From the ground it is no less so! Inside it is also quite a dramatic structure. The vaulted ceilings and massive columns really get your attention, particularly given how old it is. To think that craftsmen could build something this impressive that long ago is amazing. Apparently, it was also built quickly – 38 years – which is very fast relative to similar buildings.

There are many chapels within the interior and tombs and monuments from through the centuries that have followed its construction. Maintaining it is an ongoing mission with skilled crafts of various types needed to ensure its longevity. Our tickets are valid for a year so I suspect a return is in order and I shall go prepared for photography next time.