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.
"All aboard!" the ark for #MosaicMonday. I enjoyed the carol concert in Keble College chapel - long familiar melodies bringing tears to the eyes & warmth to the heart.
It's always a good time to see Butterfield's masterpiece again; the mosaics are by Alexander Gibbs. @churchartnature.bsky.social
It's always a good time to see Butterfield's masterpiece again; the mosaics are by Alexander Gibbs. @churchartnature.bsky.social
December 15, 2025 at 10:22 AM
"All aboard!" the ark for #MosaicMonday. I enjoyed the carol concert in Keble College chapel - long familiar melodies bringing tears to the eyes & warmth to the heart.
It's always a good time to see Butterfield's masterpiece again; the mosaics are by Alexander Gibbs. @churchartnature.bsky.social
It's always a good time to see Butterfield's masterpiece again; the mosaics are by Alexander Gibbs. @churchartnature.bsky.social
#MosaicMonday in the chapel of Keble College, Oxford, for a lovely carol concert yesterday evening. In the low light, I could just see the animals forming an orderly queue! @iangrebe.bsky.social @horatioforever.bsky.social @chartresfi.bsky.social
December 15, 2025 at 10:15 AM
#MosaicMonday in the chapel of Keble College, Oxford, for a lovely carol concert yesterday evening. In the low light, I could just see the animals forming an orderly queue! @iangrebe.bsky.social @horatioforever.bsky.social @chartresfi.bsky.social
Reposted by CathyLoweBerkshire
Wow, very interesting 😮 :
“In the late 1890s, he developed an abscess in his inner ear. Doctors trepanned him, drilling a hole in his skull, and, ever after, he would see otherworldly things. “Sudden, overpowering, colour visions, came to Bernard at any time.”
publicdomainreview.org/collection/a...
“In the late 1890s, he developed an abscess in his inner ear. Doctors trepanned him, drilling a hole in his skull, and, ever after, he would see otherworldly things. “Sudden, overpowering, colour visions, came to Bernard at any time.”
publicdomainreview.org/collection/a...
Bernard Sleigh’s *Anciente Mappe of Fairyland* (ca. 1920 edition)
A stunning six-foot-long map that joins the worlds of various myths and stories for the childhood adventurer.
publicdomainreview.org
December 14, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Wow, very interesting 😮 :
“In the late 1890s, he developed an abscess in his inner ear. Doctors trepanned him, drilling a hole in his skull, and, ever after, he would see otherworldly things. “Sudden, overpowering, colour visions, came to Bernard at any time.”
publicdomainreview.org/collection/a...
“In the late 1890s, he developed an abscess in his inner ear. Doctors trepanned him, drilling a hole in his skull, and, ever after, he would see otherworldly things. “Sudden, overpowering, colour visions, came to Bernard at any time.”
publicdomainreview.org/collection/a...
#AdventAngels Three ships sailing by, accompanied by a beautiful host of angels above, by Bernard Sleigh. Used for the artist's Christmas card for 1928.
In the collection of the British Museum. @stroudstory.bsky.social @horatioforever.bsky.social
In the collection of the British Museum. @stroudstory.bsky.social @horatioforever.bsky.social
December 14, 2025 at 11:37 AM
#AdventAngels Three ships sailing by, accompanied by a beautiful host of angels above, by Bernard Sleigh. Used for the artist's Christmas card for 1928.
In the collection of the British Museum. @stroudstory.bsky.social @horatioforever.bsky.social
In the collection of the British Museum. @stroudstory.bsky.social @horatioforever.bsky.social
The day in Westminster that began so auspiciously with a St James' Park heron in full regalia, came to a close in an equally satisfying fashion.
For in Westminster cathedral, with its abundance of shimmering mosaics, we came upon this heavenly glimpse of heron-kind. @everyheron.bsky.social
For in Westminster cathedral, with its abundance of shimmering mosaics, we came upon this heavenly glimpse of heron-kind. @everyheron.bsky.social
December 13, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The day in Westminster that began so auspiciously with a St James' Park heron in full regalia, came to a close in an equally satisfying fashion.
For in Westminster cathedral, with its abundance of shimmering mosaics, we came upon this heavenly glimpse of heron-kind. @everyheron.bsky.social
For in Westminster cathedral, with its abundance of shimmering mosaics, we came upon this heavenly glimpse of heron-kind. @everyheron.bsky.social
St James' Park is such a friendly destination for an opportunistic birder. Without any need to wade through glutinous mud, this juvenile gull came into sight, pit-patting the soil in the hope of drumming up lunch!
Nearby, bronze and toffee tones combined as this Nene goose basked in the sunshine.
Nearby, bronze and toffee tones combined as this Nene goose basked in the sunshine.
December 13, 2025 at 11:12 AM
St James' Park is such a friendly destination for an opportunistic birder. Without any need to wade through glutinous mud, this juvenile gull came into sight, pit-patting the soil in the hope of drumming up lunch!
Nearby, bronze and toffee tones combined as this Nene goose basked in the sunshine.
Nearby, bronze and toffee tones combined as this Nene goose basked in the sunshine.
#AdventAngels, complete with Lamb, in Westminster cathedral.
On my first visit, I was dazzled by the mosaic ceilings. @churchartnature.bsky.social as well as being struck by the "unfinished" nature of much of the overhead space.
On my first visit, I was dazzled by the mosaic ceilings. @churchartnature.bsky.social as well as being struck by the "unfinished" nature of much of the overhead space.
December 13, 2025 at 9:28 AM
#AdventAngels, complete with Lamb, in Westminster cathedral.
On my first visit, I was dazzled by the mosaic ceilings. @churchartnature.bsky.social as well as being struck by the "unfinished" nature of much of the overhead space.
On my first visit, I was dazzled by the mosaic ceilings. @churchartnature.bsky.social as well as being struck by the "unfinished" nature of much of the overhead space.
#AdventAngels Breath-taking church sculpture, just off the beaten track to Oxford.
St Andrew's, Sandford on Thames, holds this treasure; and a host of beautiful angels are gathered in this C15th limestone portrait of the Assumption of the Virgin. @stroudstory.bsky.social @roaringmeg.bsky.social
St Andrew's, Sandford on Thames, holds this treasure; and a host of beautiful angels are gathered in this C15th limestone portrait of the Assumption of the Virgin. @stroudstory.bsky.social @roaringmeg.bsky.social
December 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM
#AdventAngels Breath-taking church sculpture, just off the beaten track to Oxford.
St Andrew's, Sandford on Thames, holds this treasure; and a host of beautiful angels are gathered in this C15th limestone portrait of the Assumption of the Virgin. @stroudstory.bsky.social @roaringmeg.bsky.social
St Andrew's, Sandford on Thames, holds this treasure; and a host of beautiful angels are gathered in this C15th limestone portrait of the Assumption of the Virgin. @stroudstory.bsky.social @roaringmeg.bsky.social
As I prepared to leave, the heron in St James' Park leaned forward, more intensely focussed than ever, lunch becoming an all-consuming passion. @everyheron.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social
Magnificent!
Magnificent!
December 12, 2025 at 6:23 PM
As I prepared to leave, the heron in St James' Park leaned forward, more intensely focussed than ever, lunch becoming an all-consuming passion. @everyheron.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social
Magnificent!
Magnificent!
I was meeting a friend near St James' Park, so yes, of course I had to arrive early to snatch some heroneer-ing time in the soft winter sunshine.
And just as I was about to give up, there s/he was! @everyheron.bsky.social Complete with a scintillating aigrette display! @iangrebe.bsky.social
And just as I was about to give up, there s/he was! @everyheron.bsky.social Complete with a scintillating aigrette display! @iangrebe.bsky.social
December 12, 2025 at 6:19 PM
I was meeting a friend near St James' Park, so yes, of course I had to arrive early to snatch some heroneer-ing time in the soft winter sunshine.
And just as I was about to give up, there s/he was! @everyheron.bsky.social Complete with a scintillating aigrette display! @iangrebe.bsky.social
And just as I was about to give up, there s/he was! @everyheron.bsky.social Complete with a scintillating aigrette display! @iangrebe.bsky.social
#AdventAngels A sketched out angel, by Enid Marx.
One of four preliminary designs by Marx featuring an angel. Seen by the Stamp Advisory Committee on 30 October 1975, when the idea of depicting English embroidery was agreed in principle. @churchartnature.bsky.social @stroudstory.bsky.social
One of four preliminary designs by Marx featuring an angel. Seen by the Stamp Advisory Committee on 30 October 1975, when the idea of depicting English embroidery was agreed in principle. @churchartnature.bsky.social @stroudstory.bsky.social
December 10, 2025 at 9:05 AM
#AdventAngels A sketched out angel, by Enid Marx.
One of four preliminary designs by Marx featuring an angel. Seen by the Stamp Advisory Committee on 30 October 1975, when the idea of depicting English embroidery was agreed in principle. @churchartnature.bsky.social @stroudstory.bsky.social
One of four preliminary designs by Marx featuring an angel. Seen by the Stamp Advisory Committee on 30 October 1975, when the idea of depicting English embroidery was agreed in principle. @churchartnature.bsky.social @stroudstory.bsky.social
#AdventAngels in the Divinity School, Oxford. This, with its sublime vaulting, is the heart of Oxford for me.
Here, angels support a shield under a Cardinal's hat; while close by (in Convocation Court I think) I saw these angels in dramatic silhouette. @kugehouse.bsky.social @iangrebe.bsky.social
Here, angels support a shield under a Cardinal's hat; while close by (in Convocation Court I think) I saw these angels in dramatic silhouette. @kugehouse.bsky.social @iangrebe.bsky.social
December 9, 2025 at 8:49 PM
#AdventAngels in the Divinity School, Oxford. This, with its sublime vaulting, is the heart of Oxford for me.
Here, angels support a shield under a Cardinal's hat; while close by (in Convocation Court I think) I saw these angels in dramatic silhouette. @kugehouse.bsky.social @iangrebe.bsky.social
Here, angels support a shield under a Cardinal's hat; while close by (in Convocation Court I think) I saw these angels in dramatic silhouette. @kugehouse.bsky.social @iangrebe.bsky.social
#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
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7zv... Plenty of locals making claims of seeing "with their own eyes" secret tunnels under Andover...and then a prominent recommendation for @jpwarchaeology.bsky.social ("bit of a legend") and his blog on this subject!
They Said SECRET TUNNELS Don’t Exist… So I Went Looking
YouTube video by Paul Whitewick
www.youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 9:12 PM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7zv... Plenty of locals making claims of seeing "with their own eyes" secret tunnels under Andover...and then a prominent recommendation for @jpwarchaeology.bsky.social ("bit of a legend") and his blog on this subject!
#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
#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