This morning, thanks to SR's blandishments, I found myself in Bishop Cotton School. That venerable establishment deserves a post all of its own, but for now, I'm going to speak of some moments of magic.
I walked into the BCS chapel.
This is a long room with a wonderful high, arched ceiling, made of the most beautiful dark wood you ever saw. This creates a sort of perpetual twilight. This dimness, coupled with the kaleidoscope of images created by the stained glass windows, is a magnificent feast for the eye. The sombre light elevates the spirit rather than rendering it austere.
Stained glass has been used in chapels, churches and cathedrals for centuries now. Metallic salts are added to glass during the process of manufacture in order to create different colours. These bits of colour are then joined together with lead to form elaborate Biblical scenes. Stained glass windows are unique not only for their beauty, but also their sturdiness in withstanding rain, hail and strong winds.
For me, the greatest artistry lies in the way stained glass windows control light. In these windows, light becomes an accomplice in decorating the chapel, rather than it merely being a medium of illumination!
I particularly loved this so-blond Jesus, pensively holding a lamb to his chest. Rev. Halder, the wonderfully merry shepherd of the BCS flock, tells me that the windows were designed by the redoubtable Martin Travers.
The windows shown above were originally part of the Viceregal Lodge chapel. They were removed to BCS at some point in history.
For me, the greatest artistry lies in the way stained glass windows control light. In these windows, light becomes an accomplice in decorating the chapel, rather than it merely being a medium of illumination!
I particularly loved this so-blond Jesus, pensively holding a lamb to his chest. Rev. Halder, the wonderfully merry shepherd of the BCS flock, tells me that the windows were designed by the redoubtable Martin Travers.
The windows shown above were originally part of the Viceregal Lodge chapel. They were removed to BCS at some point in history.
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