f o t o f a c a d e

Queens Cross Church by Charles Rennie Mackintosh

2009-01-07T08:03:00.001Z

Queens Cross Church by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Taken from a recent trip to Glasgow :-)

See The Yin and Yang of Queen's Cross Church

2008-12-17T09:29:00.001Z

Reading Moderne Bauformen (1906) - for Edgar Wood (architect) research

House For An Art Lover, Glasgow

2008-12-17T07:57:00.001Z

House For An Art Lover, Glasgow, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

More on Rennie Mackintosh here.....

The House for an Art Lover was built in the 1990's based upon a 1901 competition entry by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The subsequent design was showcased in several European magazines and heavily influenced the European avante-garde movement initiating buildings such as Palais Stoclet in Belgium

Manchester Town Hall Miniplanet

2008-11-28T16:54:00.001Z

Manchester Town Hall Miniplanet, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Coming in to land...

More Gothic Stuff here.....

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Beverley Minster Sextych

2008-11-16T15:11:00.001Z

Beverley Minster Sextych, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

More here.....

Paris Exposition: Salle des Fetes, Paris, France, 1900

2008-11-14T14:25:00.001Z

Paris Exposition: Salle des Fetes, Paris, France, 1900, originally uploaded by Brooklyn Museum.

Every now and again as a photographer I come across a set of images which raise the hairs on the back of my neck. One such set has been made available via the flickr Commons project, which is a growing hub for the world’s public photo collections.

Click here for my article on this remarkable archive of images

The Gallery Door

2008-11-12T18:16:00.001Z

The Gallery Door, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Read the full article here

I'm surprised there is no shake on this pic - too many pigeons in the access tower to the Gallery at the very photogenic Masonic Monolith of Saint Edmunds. Check out the Saint Edmund's set for more or read the recently completed article :-)

Saint Edmund: Tower Staircase

2008-11-12T08:13:00.001Z

Saint Edmund: Tower Staircase, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

MASONIC INTRIGUE (PART 3) NOW SHOWING AT MY NEW BLOG HERE.....

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Pro Patria

2008-11-10T19:11:00.001Z

Pro Patria, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

See more of this remarkable memorial here...

Compare and Contrast

2008-11-10T11:07:00.001Z

Compare and Contrast, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

NOW SHOWING ON THE NEW BLOG

Pattern and Decoration in Beverley Minster

2008-11-07T14:19:00.001Z

Pattern and Decoration in Beverley Minster, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Now showing at the NEW BLOG

New Blog

2008-10-30T10:12:00.001Z

New Blog, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

I'm very proud (and a little embarassed in that English sort of way) to announce my new blog - which is humbly dedicated to all things architectural and photographical. Hope you like it! :-)
Check it out here

Masonic Intrigue (Part 2)

2008-10-27T14:51:00.002Z

Saint Edmund's Falinge, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Masonic Intrigue (Part 2) has now been posted on the new fotofacade blog

ON THE MOVE!

2008-10-25T14:39:00.004Z

I have now moved my blog to my fotofacade site. The new site, I believe, gives more access to the posts and topics which are of interest to the architectural and photographical community.

Here is the link - let me know what you think :-)

Masonic Intrigue (Part 1)

2008-10-22T08:38:00.005Z

Built upon the proportions of Solomon's Temple?

Falinge is a small district of Rochdale, Lancashire which lies just outside the town centre. It has recently acquired the dubious mantle of ‘Benefits Capital of the UK’, which brought swiftly upon the concrete laden streets, the vagaries of national press attention. Just 50 metres away from this hotbed of scrutiny was a photographer with an entirely different subject framed within his lens.

The exterior geometry only hints at the symbolic wonders within

Andy Marshall explains: “ I am a photographer with a background in historic architecture and its conservation, and every now and again I get a call to help record a building which is under threat. On this occasion the building was the church of Saint Edmund in Falinge.”

Unconventional tracery at the Royd's Chapel

Andy is getting particularly used to photographing churches which are under threat, but this church overwhelmed him with the sheer quality, individuality and distinctiveness of its interior.

More symbols in the form of vine scroll, acorn and oak leaf motif's

“I remember first meeting the key holder there and discussing the history of the building as we entered the vestry. When we walked into the chancel I soon realised that Saint Edmund wasn’t the average Victorian church. I remember having to hold my excitement until I had the pleasure of being all alone in this remarkable space”.

To be continued.....

The Glory of English Gothic Architecture

2008-10-19T08:07:00.008Z

Saint Mary, Studley Royal by William Burges was built between 1871 and 1878. It is a masterpiece of High Victorian Gothic with an interior which is a visual delight.

The chancel and sanctuary are richly decorated with angelic hosts and golden lions.

This wonderful example of Anglo-Catholic architecture is often overshadowed by its neighbour Fountains Abbey but is well worth the 20 minute walk to see its interior delights

Villa La Roche by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret

2008-10-18T12:29:00.007Z

Built for a Swiss banker in 1925 to house his art collection, Villa La Roche, Paris provided Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret to extend the concept of 'total art'. Like the Arts and Crafts movement and the Secessionists of Vienna, Le Corbusier believed in the sythensis of the arts - the fusion of architecture with painting, interior design, sculpture and even film.

The Villa is an inconic example of Le Corbusier's revolutionary vision which made him the C2oth most important and influential architect. His style is without precedent in terms of historical references and looks remarkably fresh and contemporary to this day.

The villa was built as part of a scheme (only one other was built - Villa Jeanneret) on an overlooked site with tight boundaries.

The exterior imparts clean simple lines in geometric forms which adds to a plain simplicity which gives the building a grandeur rooted in classical architecture. Cleverly positioned expanses of glass show views into the building which elucidate the elasticity of the interior plan.

The interior is dynamic - it moves when you move. Light is just as important a part of the artistic synthesis as structure - the intangible combined with the tangible. Whilst walking along the ramp and observing the works of art on the wall, you are aware that the wall's that form a backdrop to the art are a work of art in themselves.

The villa is open to to the public and is administered by the Fondation Le Corbuiser

All photograph's copyright Andy Marshall.

Re-discovering Edgar Wood

2008-10-11T08:04:00.031Z

Long Street Methodist Church, Middleton by 1899-1901 by Edgar Wood

I love architecture for more than just the visual delights it entails. I also love it for the journey that it takes me upon. One such journey is with the architecture of Edgar Wood (1860-1935). I have a strong relationship with his Long Street Methodist Church of 1899-1901. I am a 'Friend' and recently had an exhibition put on permenant display within the school rooms which form the southern wing of a courtyard linking the spiritual with the secular.

Redcroft and Fencegate, Middleton 1895 by Edgar Wood

The journey I have had with this particular architect has been enlightening to say the least. Wood was born in Middleton where I was brought up from the age of 3. As a child I was aware of his buildings and went to the infant school at Durnford Street which he built in association with James Henry Sellers. Our local news agents was also built by Wood and stands opposite a house he built for himself at Redcroft. I sort of knew, but didn't know (if you know what I mean) that these buildings looked different than the others around the town.

Walking into Middleton as a teenager I would peer through the gates of the Methodist Church at the Nirvana within. The gates reveal a courtyard which has a real magical sense of enclosure; a haven and oasis in the middle of urbanity.

Detail from gates to the courtyard at Long Street Methodist Church

Later, as an adult I became involved with Long Street Methodist church as a 'Friend' and as a part of the group helped develop strategies to try and raise the profile of a building which is under threat because of a dwindling congregation and increasing costs.

Cornerstone Magazine for the Friends of Long Street Methodist Church

I have to admit that it was always the exterior which fascinated me. It was some way expressive of an individual spirit - real cutting edge architecture.

Long Street Methodist Church exterior detail

During September I had my passions re-ignited for all things Wood related and met some wonderful people during the Heritage Open Day who fuelled my interest in expanding my knowledge about the wider context of Wood's work.

I am always fascinated by associations and sources of inspiration and in researching these for Wood I came across a list as long as my arm:

People

Mackmurdo, Mackintosh, Voysey, Olbrich, Wagner, Lutyens, Sellers, Parker and Unwin, Wilson, Whall, Townsend, Crane, Wallis, Gilbert, FW Jackson, Madox Brown, Loos, Klimt, Muthesius, Roller, Bohm, Hoffman......

Detail from Saint Martin's Marple design by Henry Wilson (1895)

Buildings

Palais Stoclet, Rochdale Town Hall, Saint Leonard's Middleton, Kartner Bar Vienna, Saint Martin's Marple, Sanatorium Perkersdorf......

Rochdale Town Hall

Literature

Ver Sacrum, Das Englische Haus, Academy Architecture, Moderne Bauformen, The Builders Journal, The Studio, The Hobby Horse .......

Detail from 'The Studio' 1898 showing some of Wood's furniture design

Movements and Organisations

The Secessionists, The Century Guild, Northern Art Workers Guild, Manchester Society of Architects, Birmingham Architectural Association......

Pattern detail by Kolo Moser co-founder of the Secessionists

Events

Century Guild Liverpool 1887, Manchester Royal Jubilee Exhibition 1887, Northern Art Workers Guild Exhibitions, Arts and Crafts Exhibition

Poster for the Northern Artworkers Guild Exhibition

There are so many and the relationships are so complex I have started a mindmap combined with a timeline

Edgar Wood Mindmap - showing relationships and influences

A small part of my Edgar Wood Timeline

With my brain buzzing with movements, people, ideologies and events I felt the urge to go back and photograph the interior of the school buildings attached to the Church. I felt that these buildings (more than the church itself) were in some way more expressive of Wood's development towards his exemplary contribution towards the modern movement.

I am sure that this is well known amongst the archi academics - but I had to somehow learn this for myself.

What has resulted is a series of images which have in turn taught me something about the architecture of Edgar Wood. I chose to display the images in black and white (not my usual choice) because of the advantage of black and white imagery to enhance form and line and reduce the visual impact of contemporary clutter. I wanted to connect with the freshness of the form and space as it would have been seen in 1901.

What I now see in the school buildings at Long Street is the transition between the "decorative sweetness of the C19th and the dry objectivity of the C20th". Here we have a strong influence of Mackintosh (via the European filter of the secessionists?) pared down into an English sensibility.

Wood is almost unhampered in allowing the plan to dictate the form. It is the roof structure which is holding back the complete transition into unrestrained modernism.

It is wonderful when you witness the moment of an individual's discovery; and I suppose that it is appropriate that within the walls of Wood's unique contribution to architecture that I have had the same revelation.

Long Street Methodist Church Interior

2008-10-10T12:35:00.001Z

Long Street Methodist Church Interior, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Interior to the ancillary buildings to the church. Built in 1899-1901 by Edgar Wood. Middleton

Sunday School, Edgar Wood and J H Sellers. 1910

2008-10-08T10:07:00.001Z

Sunday School, Edgar Wood and J H Sellers. 1910, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Lydgate Oliver Heywood Memorial Sunday School, near Holmfirth Yorkshire by Edgar Wood and James Henry Sellers.
Full Set Here

Sunday School, Edgar Wood and J H Sellers. 1910

2008-10-04T15:13:00.001Z

Sunday School, Edgar Wood and J H Sellers. 1910, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Lydgate Oliver Heywood Memorial Sunday School, near Holmfirth Yorkshire by Edgar Wood and James Henry Sellers.
Full Set Here

Sunday School, Edgar Wood and J H Sellers. 1910

2008-10-02T13:53:00.001Z

Sunday School, Edgar Wood and J H Sellers. 1910, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Lydgate Oliver Heywood Memorial Sunday School, near Holmfirth Yorkshire by Edgar Wood and James Henry Sellers.
Full Set Here

Saint Edmund's - The full scheme

2008-09-29T13:58:00.001Z

Saint Edmund's - The full scheme, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

SEE IT LARGE!
Saint Edmund's, Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28,000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close soon. "Almost every fitting and feature has reference to the Lore of masonry." Says Pevsner. The listing also states - Internally and externally such reference extends not only to the front, lectern and communion rail but to roof trusses, stained glass and more abstract qualities such as proportions which are said to relate to those of Solomon's temple Listed Grade II* - THIS BUILDING SHOULD BE LISTED Grade I

Stained Glass Miniplanet

2008-09-26T15:57:00.001Z

Stained Glass Miniplanet, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Well I thought that I would do this miniplanet to celebrate completing processing the full scheme of stained glass at Saint Edmund's, Falinge near Rochdale.
Here's a link to the full scheme in one photo
Saint Edmund's, Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28,000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close soon. "Almost every fitting and feature has reference to the Lore of masonry." Says Pevsner. The listing also states - Internally and externally such reference extends not only to the front, lectern and communion rail but to roof trusses, stained glass and more abstract qualities such as proportions which are said to relate to those of Solomon's temple Listed Grade II* - THIS BUILDING SHOULD BE LISTED Grade I

Mantra

2008-09-22T13:01:00.002Z

Mantra, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

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Check it out :-)

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Exhibiting Edgar Wood

2008-09-15T19:07:00.016Z

People turning up for the event at Long Street Methodist Church including the Mayor and Mayoress and local Councillors

Last Wednesday Friends of Long Street Methodist Church held an open evening as part of the Heritage Open Days. It coincided with the display of a permanent exhibition of a series of Edgar Wood images, by myself, supported by Middleton Township within the grade II* listed building.

Three of my images on display inside Wood's iconic building

Alan Gardner from Alan Gardner Associates gave an introductory talk about his ongoing work on providing a conservation based assessment of key Edgar Wood Buildings in the Middleton Conservation Area. On display were rectified images taken of Wood's unique Long Street buildings including Church and former school.

Dr. Archer (right) talks to Alan Gardner (centre)

We were also honoured to have Dr John H. G. Archer attend, who said a few words about his experience of Wood and also complimented the efforts of the people of Middleton in raising the profile of Edgar Wood as architect.

Also on display was English Heritage's Roofs of England exhibition which highlights the importance of vernacular stone slate roofs. Wood's Long Street Methodist Church has over 1500m2 of stone slate roof and is one of the most extensive and complete traditional roofscapes in the area.

English Heritage's Roofs of England Exhibition was well attended

During the weekend I was in attendance talking to newcomers and enthusiasts alike. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk about my photography, the importance of Edgar Wood and his wonderfully unique buildings at Long Street. It was great meeting so many enthusiastic people, including many local Middletonians who either own or owned an Edgar Wood property.

Dr Archer called in again on Sunday and I spent a pleasurable hour talking to him about Edgar Wood and discussing my photographs and the Roofs of England Exhibition.

See the online exhibition here

Le Corbusier: Villa La Roche (1923)

2008-09-15T09:18:00.001Z

Le Corbusier: Villa La Roche (1923), originally uploaded by fotofacade.

See them all here

Windows

2008-09-11T19:44:00.002Z

WINDOWS

The Architectural Photographer's Mantra

2008-09-09T18:08:00.001Z

Get your own - Open publication

Exhibition Graphic

2008-09-09T12:44:00.001Z

Exhibition Graphic, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

In September 2007 I held an exhibition on Arts and Crafts architect Edgar Wood in one of his seminal buildings the grade II* listed Long Street Methodist Church.

A generous grant from the local Middleton Township has now made it possible for the exhibition to be come permanently lodged at Long Street Methodist. The grand opening is on Wednesday 10 September to invited guests. It is open to the public on Friday 12 September - Sunday 14 September.

This is one of the information graphics to be shown at the exhibition.

Larger version here

Filigree Fenestration

2008-09-06T11:40:00.001Z

Filigree Fenestration, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

"Record the diversity of architectural style and detail"

....as it says in the mantra..

Filigree Fenestration

2008-09-06T11:05:00.001Z

Filigree Fenestration, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

"Record the diversity of architectural style and detail"

....as it says in the mantra..

Dad's Wall

2008-09-04T20:27:00.001Z

Dad's Wall, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Dad's Wall can be found in the garage at Mum's house, and it hasn't changed much since he died 6 months ago.

Through the wall I feel as though I can touch him some how - or connect with his memory.

Things have to move on and Mum has decided to clean it up and remove some of the 'clutter'. Good for her.

So I decided to photograph it for posterity. It looks like many other walls across the nation, but it has some of dads soul in it.

It is not his 'leitmotif', but it is his own evolved world: an organic development in terms of his tools, all tied into the warp and weft of the wall - and our lives.

It contains the semantics of one particular man, and by way of that, it is a wonderful cultural record.

Through photographing Dad's wall I have found happiness in the mundane and nobility in the unassuming.

You can see the microcosm that is Dad's Wall if you view this larger picture (may take some time to download)

Cellar Discovery - UPDATE

2008-07-22T20:41:00.001Z

Cellar Discovery, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

From Gill Saunders at the V&A (many thanks)

The wallpaper is a 'sanitary' wallpaper, so-called because it was designed to be washable (printed with oil-based pigments rather than the water-soluble tempera pigments previously used in wallpaper manufacture, and often varnished after it was hung to further water-proof the surface). Typically, sanitary papers are printed in tones of brown or dark green. They were usually chosen for those areas of the house which were most likely to get dirty quickly or repeatedly - such as halls, stairwells, kitchens and sculleries.

From the colouring and the pattern I think your wallpaper probably dates from the 1880s or 1890s, but I am afraid there is nothing distinctive about this paper which would enable me to identify the designer or the manufacturer. There were hundreds of wallpaper manafuacturers working in the later 19th century, each issuing thousands of new patterns every year, most designed anonymously

For a mindcrunchingly detailed look at the wallpaper click here

Whilst looking for something down in my cellar, I managed to fall over a few boxes and found myself in the deep recesses of a dark corner. Slowly, as my eyes got used to the light I saw upon the underside of the floorboards what looked like a floral pattern. After hooking up a light I came across this wonderful remnant of wallpaper. The house was built in the late 1870's. My question is: does anybody know what date this might be from? I think it is Victorian, but it could be Edwardian?

BTW my daughter is going to copy the design into an artwork and then we can provide some continuity from the past in the house.

Hammerbeam View

2008-07-22T20:37:00.001Z

Hammerbeam View, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

If you are ever lucky enough to visit the church - look up from this angle at the hammerbeam roof - it is spectacular.

Saint Edmund's, Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28,000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.

Christ in macro

2008-07-19T15:35:00.001Z

Christ in macro, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Macro image of the face of Christ on the altar crucifix at Saint Edmund's

Saint Edmund's, Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28,000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.

Cellar Discovery

2008-07-16T13:19:00.001Z

Cellar Discovery, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

For a mindcrunchingly detailed look at the wallpaper click here

Whilst looking for something down in my cellar, I managed to fall over a few boxes and found myself in the deep recesses of a dark corner. Slowly, as my eyes got used to the light I saw upon the underside of the floorboards what looked like a floral pattern. After hooking up a light I came across this wonderful remnant of wallpaper. The house was built in the late 1870's. My question is: does anybody know what date this might be from? I think it is Victorian, but it could be Edwardian?

BTW my daughter is going to copy the design into an artwork and then we can provide some continuity from the past in the house.

Period Glass

2008-07-16T11:09:00.002Z

Mobile blog

I've just taken this with my phone as a reminder of the wonderful eclectic and multidisciplinary creativity of the Victorians.One such example is their use of glass. Back in the 1890's the ubiquitous technique of embossing a molten piece of rolled or cast glass superseded the use of etched glass. Apparently, my vestibule door (above) has some of the most popular patterns. I'll raise a glass to that!

Celestial Semantics

2008-06-25T08:00:00.002Z

Chair without seat

2008-06-24T10:19:00.001Z

Chair without seat, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Because Saint Edmund's was elevated to mimic the status of Solomon's Temple, the vaults beneath are high enough to walk around in comfortably. I came across this chair (has it been there since 1873?) whilst walking up to the altar area.

Saint Edmund's, Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28,000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.

Capturing the Lecturn

2008-06-19T09:40:00.001Z

Capturing the Lecturn, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Just a hip shot showing the simple set up to capturing some of the detail in the Masonic Lecturn at Saint Edmund's

Saint Edmund's, Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28,000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.

Choir Stall Finial

2008-06-17T06:45:00.001Z

Choir Stall Finial, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Saint Edmund's, Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28,000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.

Saint Edmund: Tower Staircase

2008-06-11T07:05:00.001Z

Saint Edmund: Tower Staircase, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Royd's Chapel East Window Detail

2008-06-10T06:51:00.001Z

Royd's Chapel East Window Detail, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Masonic symbols in the middle of the pentagram tracery.

At Saint Edmund is a complete scheme of stained glass (with some missing lights) by Lavers, Barraud & Westlake. It is fascinating to know that Henry Holiday (who was behind the frieze at Rochdale Town Hall) also designed for them. Pevsner says that the scheme isn't quite up to the whole concept and some windows do play a secondary role to the strong masonic theme - but - there are some real gems - especially in the artwork - which jump out from the others

Royd's Chapel detail

2008-06-06T06:45:00.001Z

Royd's Chapel detail, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Albert Hudson Royds is incorporated into the scheme as the Master mason here with his hand directing the works.

At Saint Edmund is a complete scheme of stained glass (with some missing lights) by Lavers, Barraud & Westlake. It is fascinating to know that Henry Holiday (who was behind the frieze at Rochdale Town Hall) also designed for them. Pevsner says that the scheme isn't quite up to the whole concept and some windows do play a secondary role to the strong masonic theme - but - there are some real gems - especially in the artwork - which jump out from the others

Royd's Chapel East Window

2008-06-05T07:56:00.001Z

Royd's Chapel East Window, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

The Royd's Chapel East Window is prickling with information and surely is intrinsically a vessel of communication? On the one hand we have the symbolism of the building of Solomon's Temple complete with plan. Then we have the image of Albert Hudson Royds incorporated into the Master Mason and then his initials and date of foundation inscribed into the glass. At the top we have 3 symbols of freemasonry.

At Saint Edmund is a complete scheme of stained glass (with some missing lights) by Lavers, Barraud & Westlake. It is fascinating to know that Henry Holiday (who was behind the frieze at Rochdale Town Hall) also designed for them. Pevsner says that the scheme isn't quite up to the whole concept and some windows do play a secondary role to the strong masonic theme - but - there are some real gems - especially in the artwork - which jump out from the others

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

2008-06-04T07:02:00.001Z

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Detail from three lights. The text to each light from left to right reads:-

Left: "She shall be called woman because she was taken out of man"
Centre: "The eyes of them both were opened"
Right: "The Lord God sent them forth from the Garden of Eden"

At Saint Edmund is a complete scheme of stained glass (with some missing lights) by Lavers, Barraud & Westlake. It is fascinating to know that Henry Holiday (who was behind the frieze at Rochdale Town Hall) also designed for them. Pevsner says that the scheme isn't quite up to the whole concept and some windows do play a secondary role to the strong masonic theme - but - there are some real gems - especially in the artwork - which jump out from the others. Amongst them is this window in the Nave which shows real empathy for the plight of Adam and Eve. They say a picture tells a thousand words. Just look at the full window here

Saint Edmund's in macro

2008-06-03T07:50:00.001Z

Saint Edmund's in macro, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

You can view each of the macro's individually here

When I first went into Saint Edmund's I really had a dilemma as to what to photograph,as my time there was limited. As it happens I have managed to spend a number of days there. The more time I spent there, the more that I realised how the church is packed jam full of detail. Detail which has been added over it's 140 odd year existence. The church is a rich tapestry of the locale's life and the sheer exuberant indulgence of a family who played a major part in the history of Rochdale - the Royd's.

The detail fixed and unfixed, attached and unattached forms the soul of the building. It tells the story of how its incumbents worshipped, lived, loved, worked and died. It is its Genius Loci.

I have to admit at some times, when on my own, in the quiet of the church I have found it all a little overwhelming. Coming across things such as a hidden memorial; or the carved graffiti in the organ cupboard; or the sheer empathy with the story of Adam and Eve in the painted glass - is enormously enriching.

The experience I have had reminds me of the words of Emily Bronte

"I've dreamt in my life dreams
that have stayed with me ever after,
and changed my ideas;
they've gone through and through me,
like wine through water,
and altered the colour of my mind"

Such an effect on me, has had Saint Edmund's.

Key: (from left top left to right)

1. Stop key to organ
2. Lace detail to table in Children's section
3. Key to organ cupboard
4. Holy Bible with Masonic symbol on Royd's brass memorial in the Chancel
5. Flower detail on aumbry opening in Chancel
6. Christ detail on crucifix on main altar in Chancel
7. Marble detail on column between Chancel and Royd's Chapel
8. Pomegranate symbol found on Masonic Lecturn
9. Snake symbol found on Masonic Lecturn
10. Hand detail from depiction of the four evangelists on the marble font
11. Text detail found on the baptismal jug on the font
12. Stencil print on the Reredos
13. Text detail found on the aumbry opening in the Chancel
14. Beading detail found on the altar rail
15. Flower detail found on the carved wooden pulpit
16. Text detail found on the Royd's brass memorial in the Chancel

Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmund's, Falinge

2008-06-02T20:01:00.001Z

Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmund's, Falinge, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

The Masonic Lecturn at Saint Edmund's is the fulcrum of the whole architectural scheme. It is the architectural and probably the masonic (although I wouldn't know - I am not a mason)centre of the church. Whilst walking around the church over the past few weeks I have always been drawn to it. Firstly, because of its reflective qualities which picks up the light from the south transept window. This forms a real contrast against the shade of the chancel.Secondly, because of its unusual sharp and angular shape, which gives it masculinity and robustness of form. It is a real success within the spatial hierarchy of the church and wherever you go it provides a strong punctuation within the syntax of the structure.

The lecturn stands on block of white ashlar which holds the inscription "FROM CLEMENT THE FOUNDERS SON 1871". This in turn stands on a black block of marble. The 'legs' of the lecturn are formed of three columns - doric, ionic and corinthian. The lecturn itself is made up of the 'symbolic tools of masoncraft'. (Pevsner). The base is made up of fretwork which includes pomegranates, lilies and intertwined snakes. On top of this the lecturn is made out of square and compasses.

I have created a separate photoset for the lecturn so that it can be studied in detail

Here is a link to all my other images of Saint Edmund's.

Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmund's, Falinge

2008-05-21T13:41:00.001Z

Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmund's, Falinge, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Set Square Detail

The Masonic Lecturn at Saint Edmund's is the fulcrum of the whole architectural scheme. It is the architectural and probably the masonic (although I wouldn't know - I am not a mason)centre of the church. Whilst walking around the church over the past few weeks I have always been drawn to it. Firstly, because of its reflective qualities which picks up the light from the south transept window. This forms a real contrast against the shade of the chancel.Secondly, because of its unusual sharp and angular shape, which gives it masculinity and robustness of form. It is a real success within the spatial hierarchy of the church and wherever you go it provides a strong punctuation within the syntax of the structure.

The lecturn stands on block of white ashlar which holds the inscription "FROM CLEMENT THE FOUNDERS SON 1871". This in turn stands on a black block of marble. The 'legs' of the lecturn are formed of three columns - doric, ionic and corinthian. The lecturn itself is made up of the 'symbolic tools of masoncraft'. (Pevsner). The base is made up of fretwork which includes pomegranates, lilies and intertwined snakes. On top of this the lecturn is made out of square and compasses.

I have created a separate photoset for the lecturn so that it can be studied in detail

Here is a link to all my other images of Saint Edmund's.

Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmund's, Falinge

2008-05-20T11:18:00.001Z

Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmund's, Falinge, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Angel - Royd's Chapel

2008-04-29T07:11:00.001Z

Angel - Royd's Chapel, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Whilst preparing a shot for the chancel at Saint Edmund's I felt a presence on my left shoulder and looked up and saw this ;-)

The roof is full of geometrical shapes in keeping with the symbolism behind the masonic traditions (I imagine).

Saint Edmund's", Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28, 000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close soon.

"Almost every fitting and feature has
reference to the Lore of masonry." Says Pevsner.

The listing also states - Internally
and externally such reference extends not only to the front,
lectern and communion rail but to roof trusses, stained
glass and more abstract qualities such as proportions which
are said to relate to those of Solomon's temple

Check out the full set (which is being added to regularly)

Sacred Light

2008-04-16T12:27:00.002Z

Sacred Light, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Light has a sculpting quality here in the entrance porch to Saint Edmund's

Saint Edmund's", Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28, 000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close soon.

"Almost every fitting and feature has
reference to the Lore of masonry." Says Pevsner.

The listing also states - Internally
and externally such reference extends not only to the front,
lectern and communion rail but to roof trusses, stained
glass and more abstract qualities such as proportions which
are said to relate to those of Solomon's temple

Check out the full set (which is being added to regularly)

Roof Timbers Royd's Chapel

2008-04-14T20:26:00.002Z

Roof Timbers Royd's Chapel, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Saint Edmund's", Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28, 000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close soon.

"Almost every fitting and feature has
reference to the Lore of masonry." Says Pevsner.

The listing also states - Internally
and externally such reference extends not only to the front,
lectern and communion rail but to roof trusses, stained
glass and more abstract qualities such as proportions which
are said to relate to those of Solomon's temple

Check out the full set (which is being added to regularly)

Masonic Symbol, Lecturn, Royd's Chapel

2008-04-10T07:30:00.002Z

Masonic Symbol, Lecturn, Royd's Chapel, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Altar view from Royd's Chapel

2008-04-09T12:03:00.002Z

Altar view from Royd's Chapel, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Royd's Brass Memorial Fonts

2008-04-07T16:18:00.002Z

Royd's Brass Memorial Fonts, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

To compare and view a complete set with additional images click here

Designed by the Gilbert (who was the first incumbent), this rather expressive brass memorial reflects the confidence of the Victorian age with it's mastery of the art of brass work and the sheer exuberance and eclectic nature of the fonts used. Once again it is full of Masonic symbolism.

"Almost every fitting and feature has
reference to the Lore of masonry." Says Pevsner.

The listing also states - Internally
and externally such reference extends not only to the front,
lectern and communion rail but to roof trusses, stained
glass and more abstract qualities such as proportions which
are said to relate to those of Solomon's temple

Check out the full set (which is being added to regularly)

Saint Edmund's", Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28, 000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close soon.

Royd's Brass Memorial

2008-04-03T13:25:00.002Z

Royd's Brass Memorial, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Roof Detail, South Transept

2008-04-03T07:03:00.002Z

Roof Detail, South Transept, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

"Almost every fitting and feature has
reference to the Lore of masonry." Says Pevsner.

The listing also states - Internally
and externally such reference extends not only to the front,
lectern and communion rail but to roof trusses, stained
glass and more abstract qualities such as proportions which
are said to relate to those of Solomon's temple

Check out the full set (which is being added to regularly)

Saint Edmund's", Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28, 000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.

Corbel and Organ, South Transept

2008-04-01T13:28:00.002Z

Corbel and Organ, South Transept, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

The Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmunds, Falinge

2008-03-24T18:24:00.002Z

The Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmunds, Falinge, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Behind the Lecturn you can just make out the magnificent Reredos which houses a series of hidden words - see here.....

"Almost every fitting and feature has
reference to the Lore of masonry." Says Pevsner.

The listing also states - Internally
and externally such reference extends not only to the front,
lectern and communion rail but to roof trusses, stained
glass and more abstract qualities such as proportions which
are said to relate to those of Solomon's temple

Check out the full set (which is being added to regularly)

Saint Edmund's", Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28, 000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.

Royd's Chapel Altar Rail with masonic symbols

2008-03-20T14:54:00.001Z

Royd's Chapel Altar Rail with masonic symbols, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Must be viewed large to appreciate the detail

The rails are in the Royds Chapel in the church, they have four masonic symbols carved into them - look here to see their setting.

Saint Edmund's", Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28, 000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close soon.

"Almost every fitting and feature has
reference to the Lore of masonry." Says Pevsner.

The listing also states - Internally
and externally such reference extends not only to the front,
lectern and communion rail but to roof trusses, stained
glass and more abstract qualities such as proportions which
are said to relate to those of Solomon's temple

Check out the full set (which is being added to regularly)

The Royds Chapel

2008-03-20T14:12:00.002Z

The Royds Chapel, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

St. Edmunds: Hammer Beam study

2008-03-19T10:08:00.002Z

St. Edmunds: Hammer Beam study, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

It is hard to see the cross braces which take the support of the roof - the long exposure reveals intricate carving in floral motifs. This is a photo of each support to the hammerbeam looking upwards

Check out the full set (which is being added to regularly)

Saint Edmund's", Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28, 000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.

St. Edmunds: Hammer Beam study

2008-03-18T08:39:00.002Z

St. Edmunds: Hammer Beam study, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Both sides of the hammer beam of the cancel roof placed back to back for reference

Check out the full set (which is being added to regularly)

Saint Edmund's", Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28, 000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.

St. Edmunds: Hammer Beam study

2008-03-17T14:48:00.003Z

St. Edmunds: Hammer Beam study, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Here it is in all its glory - the hammer beam chancel roof

Check out the full set (which is being added to regularly)

Saint Edmund's", Falinge near Rochdale - is a real tour-de-force. Built in the 1870's for £28, 000 (when a good church cost £4000). It is a Masonic Church and Pevsner says that it has symbolism to rival the Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel. I am photographing the interior because it is due to close this month.

I AM THE....

2008-03-14T10:08:00.002Z

I AM THE...., originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Must be viewed large to appreciate the detail

This is one of the most unusual reredos' I have photographed. It was designed by the first incumbent, the Rev E W Gilbert. Intertwined with the vine are the words 'I am the' - see them?

A friend of mine David Morris has sent in this wonderful explanation about this work of art:-

The complete quote is from John 15 verse 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing". There is also a wider context of Christ being the "true vine" (John 15 1-17). The most important word, "vine", however is rendered unnecessary by the sculpture, suggesting the power of art to communicate truth, a theme of the time.

Notice how the introductory words "I am the" are carefully hidden amongst the vine leaves and branches. The words "I Am" in Hebrew are the name for God, which Christ used with regard to himself on several occasions, including the vine quote - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_am_that_I_am . In the context of the 1870s, when a combination of Darwinism and Ruskinism had led to the celebration of nature in art (such as this), I think there is a deeper meaning which says "I Am" (or God) is behind, or part and parcel, of all nature if only one has "eyes to see" through the physical representation.

Hammerbeam Chancel

2008-03-13T08:34:00.001Z

Hammerbeam Chancel, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Remembering Dad

2008-02-26T10:47:00.001Z

Remembering Dad, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Dad died on Saturday 9th February 2008. Until then he had spent over two years battling with the physical, psychological and familial effects of cancer.

Below I have written a record of dad's life with cancer as I remember it. It isn't perfect and it is a very personal record. I am sure that others have their stories to tell too. If you knew dad it would be great for you to add to his story and sign up for free and make a comment.

He was diagnosed as having prostate cancer whilst in hospital undergoing tests. He was told the bad news behind a curtain on a busy hospital ward on the day of his 41st wedding anniversary 2005. Dad shed a tear, and then started to get on with the business of living with cancer.

Further tests revealed that the cancer had spread to a lymph node and that dads treatment pathway was limited to controlling the spread of the cancer over time.

Dad quickly learned to cope with his cancer and he made himself a promise that he would finish off his final months at work before retirement. This thought kept dad focused and motivated during his time off for recuperation. Our first visit out with dad was at the Christmas Markets in Manchester. He was still a little fragile, but with the help of his treatment he became stronger. On Christmas Eve we made a traditional visit to Hebden Bridge and then on Christmas Day, for the first time ever, we had dinner at a restaurant with no extravagance spared.

I was always conscious of dads illness and of his limited time left with us, so I made a vow to spend as much time as possible with him. Thus, on several occasions, I asked Dad to become my 'photographers assistant'. In February 2006 I had a commission to photograph Elizabeth Gaskell's house. Dad and I spent a memorable day cooing over the late Georgian interior (although dad was more interested in the plumbing than the architecture). I took a shaky shot of him setting up the lighting in one of the reception rooms. Dad proved to be an awful assistant. After ten minutes of help he would often get caught up with anybody and everybody. He always found something in common with whoever he met. Invariably, I always completed the commission without my assistant, but dad walked away content and having made many friends.

During his first time in hospital we made a promise that we would all go out to Paris together and we managed to fly out there in March of 2006 with Mum, my wife, brother and his wife. He particularly wanted to visit the Pantheon and an English pub called 'TheBombadier ', where upon a previous visit Dad had declared the day as 'the best day of his life'. Dad was prone to having many days which were prosaically declared as the best day of his life. Such days also included my wedding in Venice, my brothers wedding, Mauritania, Algeria and Grinzing in Vienna. He had so many happy days.

Back in the UK life got back to as normal as possible. I remember a particular visit by Mum and Dad to our home where we went out for a walk around the local park. Here I took a few snaps of dad. He seemed happy yet contemplative. He never, ever took a single day for granted and he seemed to absorb each second of each day and chew it over in his mind.

Dad was only 63 when he was diagnosed. Just over one year off his retirement from work. After his recuperation it was typical of dad to want to get back to work and finish his time there. Here he spent several happy months working as a plumber at the local infirmary.

During his time at the infirmary, my wife, who also worked there, remembers hearing an explosion whilst walking down a corridor. Amidst the deafening tone of the fire alarms, dad emerged pink faced (and splattered) from behind a bathroom door, after mixing a lethal concoction of drain cleaner to unblock a particularly awkward urinal.

In the August of 2006 my family and I rented a cottage within the grounds of Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire and mum and dad came along for a couple of days. We spent a wonderful evening (with the abbey ruins to ourselves) picnicking in the chancel and dancing to jazz music. Once again, dad had a contemplative moment on his own and I caught him on camera leaning against the ancient columns of Rievaulx where thousands had passed centuries before. He wasn't sad - he just wasn't willing to let a special occasion such as this slip between his fingers.

Time seemed to fly by, and soon it was a year since dads original diagnosis. It was also time for dad to retire. Mum and Emily (his grand daughter) threw a surprise party for him at the house. Dad was in his element surrounded by family and friends.

Soon, it was time for another celebration - my brother Paul's wedding to Kath. Just before the wedding Paul had organised for Dad to go to the local health club and have some pampering - he never forgot that, and always talked about it afterwards. It was a day where we all forgot our problems and focused on celebrating Paul and Kath's marriage. Dad, as ever became part of the entertainment during the evening celebrations, donning the best man's kilt and subsequently losing it on the dance floor.

Christmas came around once again and we made our traditional trip up to Hebden Bridge and I made a couple of sketches of our journey. This was a particularly difficult time for Dad because he was also dealing with the news that his sister in law, Joan, had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. There were times when Dad wasn't quite himself and I remember him coming up to the house and talking things through. Joan died in January in the new year.

In February, I had another commission to photograph some dry stone walling skillfully executed by the late Raven Frankland. Dad came along to Cumbria and met his wife Dr Frankland (an eminent botanist) on her farmstead. The Frankland's had single handedly saved Pendragon Castle from destruction by meticulous archaeology - slowly revealing it's secrets over a significant number of years. Dad was amazed by the C17th farm and interior and also struck by Dr Franklands stories about her late husband and his ancestors. Later we went out with her farmhand who had gained an MBE for services to farming and agriculture, and I remember thinking that Dad should get an MBE for the way that he had coped with his illness. I managed to get a photo of dad taking a photo next to the castle. Dad also helped me on numerous occasions throughout the next months, photographing the interiors of churches and the like. I was always secretly pained by his condition and I think that he realised this. It was during these times that we seemed to form a silent bond of mutual support.

In April my wife and I managed to get hold of an allotment and throughout the next few months dad chipped in every now and again to help us get things into shape. It started out as a bare patch of earth. We managed to get hold of an old greenhouse from my cousin and dad helped us put it together and install the glass. Whilst installing a particularly awkward piece of glass he cut himself and the dried spots of blood remain on the glass there to this day - a secular shrine surrounded by tomatoes, chillies, cucumbers and the faint scent of lavender.

We also stayed over at Beverley in April during the Grand National. Dad and I sneaked out to the Green Dragon on one occasion and had a couple of pints. He also loved an afternoon spent in the Monks after a trip around the Minster. During this time Dad bought a silver cross at the Saturday Market which I wear with pride today. I remember getting up early on the Sunday before leaving and sketching the Bar.

In May I was involved with organising a Heritage Skills event at Fountains Abbey for our skilled Lead Workers, and Dad was asked to come along and provide some tuition for the local visiting school kids. The weather was great and dad thoroughly enjoyed himself chatting to the hundreds of people who were interested in the arts of building conservation. It's comforting to think that dad may have inspired others in their chosen careers and in this way his memory lives on.

During the skills weekend we talked about our forthcoming planned trip to Verona. Dad had been before and he kept telling me of the wonderful architecture. Dreams became reality when we arrived in the home of Romeo and Juliet in early June. He asked me if I had anything interesting in mind for photographing; and he looked bemused when I said the door knockers of Verona. I also particularly remember one balmy night after dinner where we sat in Piazza Bra and whilst listening to the convivial chat of mum, dad and Charlie, I sketched the scene in front of me.

It was shortly after this time that dad had received the news that his cancer had spread to his hips. It was proposed that dad start a heavy programme of Chemotherapy combined with a mind blowing concoction of drugs - but he needed to wait for a little until certain drugs settled. Dad wasn't phased by the latest diagnosis, in fact he seemed to go into overdrive and at the end of July he helped my brother build a conservatory from scratch.

Throughout the summer I had been preparing for a photographic exhibition of Edgar Wood buildings to be shown at the Long Street Methodist Church. The Church is a wonderful grade II* listed building by Wood which is under threat. The exhibition was due in September, and in late August I remember feeling particularly stressed over some shots that I needed to take. Dad, kindly reminded me of his photographic assistancy skills and I (somewhat reluctantly) agreed to let him come out and help me. I took a photo of Dad just before setting off and he looked in the pique of health; in fact, he had just undergone his first bout of Chemotherapy. This didn't stop Dad having a pint of beer with me during our trip out - talking about the fortunes of our beloved Man City. After a slow start I managed to get two defining shots which were put into the exhibition - firstly: F W Jacksons gravestone and secondly Elm Street School. The gravestone is in the crematorium where Dad will be cremated, and whilst there I will remember the good time we had setting up the shot in between funerals.

The exhibition took place in September at the Church. It was dedicated to Mum and Dad. I was so proud to see him there, even though he wasn't well after another bout of Chemotherapy. Later, Dad came along to Leeds to return some exhibition boards to a historic plastering contractor, and it was at this time that I noticed that dad was looking pale and tired.

Dad's health seemed to take a turn for the worst during October, and he spent an anxious time on an isolation ward in hospital after being diagnosed with Neutropenia - which left him breathless for the remaining months of his life. Nevertheless, he still managed to make friends with the staff and patients on the ward. His spirit still remained unbroken after he was taken to hospital again with suspected DVT, but it turned out to be a condition caused by his cancer.

In spite of being told that the Chemotherapy he was undergoing wasn't working (and subsequently stopped) - Dad still continued to try and live as fulfilling a life as possible. I managed to take him out to Neston, Stockport and Manchester. As late as November last year we managed to go out on a trip to a local salvage yard in Yorkshire with his brother in law Tony and nephew Bob. We took a few photographs of him with some statues of the Blues Brothers and these were to be some of the last photo's taken of Dad.

The months of December and January took on a sombre tone.

Dad became increasingly ill and spent most of Christmas and the new year in hospital. I remember a particularly stark day spent at Christie's where he was told that his cancer may have spread further. A later scan revealed that his cancer had spread to his liver and this was a difficult fact to take for Dad. But, he managed to keep going, this time I think more for others than himself.

Just a week before he died he managed to get out to the local for a spot of lunch. I had downloaded a couple of video's of Hulme (where he was born) and Mauritania and Algeria where he worked and spent some of the most memorable years of his life. We watched them on my ipod in the pub. We later went back to the house and he got out his photographs of Algeria and for a short time we forgot about the cancer as we were engrossed in tales of billet life which would put 'Auf Wiedersehen' Pet to shame.

Just before Dad went into hospital I managed to break the patio door and I remember dad breathless and pale as alabaster, crouching down on the floor trying to fix it. He worked and endeavoured right up until the end.

During an earlier trip out to Manchester to pick up some photographic prints we talked about his illness and his thoughts on dying. He told me that he wasn't afraid of dying and that he had had the most amazing time since his diagnosis. He also noted how privileged he was to have had a wonderful life, and a caring wife in Mum. Over the previous year, Dad had made a secret and concerted effort to prepare Mum and the house for his leaving. People who live nearby may have seen Dad tinkering about the house, fixing the guttering, building a new fence and installing a downstairs loo. He traded the old car in for a new one, which was just the right size for mum. He told me that he had marked the quality of his life on a cancer assessment form as 85% during his Chemotherapy. The fact is that dad had managed to defeat his illness in his mind, and value the days he had left. This is not to say that he wasn't always happy, and I must pay a tribute to the never ending work, devotion and care that my mum has given Dad. One of his fondest activities was simply sitting in the back conservatory watching mum in the garden. The garden became dad's refuge and mental stimulant and must have added months to his life. I have fond memories of Dad sitting with his binoculars and a book in his hand recording which birds had visited the garden that day.

Dad died in a hospice nearby. He died on my wedding anniversary (he wished us a 'happy anniversary') - a fact of which I am proud and not sad.

Dad's funeral service will be at Long Street Methodist Church - a fitting place.

Dad, to me, you were a father, mentor, soul-mate and best friend.

I tell people, when asked, that I am fine and put on a smiling face - but I am not, and as I write this, I weep for your loss and what it has done to me inside.

The Lindley Clock Tower

2008-01-31T07:36:00.001Z

The Lindley Clock Tower, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

The Lindley Clock Tower near Huddersfield has an eclectic exuberance which cannot be matched in these parts. Designed by Edgar Wood for a local patron it was built in 1901 and comes complete with Gothic Gargoyle's, Pre-Raphaelite Angels and Art Nouveau windows.

...which oerleaps itself

2008-01-18T17:25:00.001Z

Organ Screen, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Here we have the sheer wonderment of Sir Gilbert Scott's Organ Screen at Beverley Minster, Yorkshire UK.

Best viewed LARGE

Vaulting Ambition

2008-01-11T09:11:00.001Z

Vaulting Ambition, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

A rare glimpse of the wonderful filigree intricacy of the early C16th choir stalls contrasted against the majesty of the C13th choir arcade and vaulting

Beverley Minster, Yorkshire UK

Best viewed LARGE

1000

2008-01-06T20:30:00.001Z

1000, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

BEST VIEWED LARGE

This image to celebrate my 1000 photo on flickr - made up of most of my photo's posted here. It has been a remarkably enlightening journey since joining up over 12 months ago and I have made many friends here.... thanks for your encouragement and inspiration - here's to a thousand more.

This image was inspired and aided by Jon Wild - thanks to him for his help

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T09:02:00.001Z

Happy New Year!, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Bury lets in the new year!

BEST VIEWED LARGE

Tyre

2007-12-23T19:12:00.001Z

Tyre, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Freetown

For more information about my Freetown project check out the Freetown Set here

Shoe

2007-12-21T16:01:00.001Z

Shoe, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Freetown

For more information about my Freetown project check out the Freetown Set here

Bovril

2007-12-20T12:35:00.001Z

Bovril, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Just at the end of Bridge Street opposite the Brickcroft pub is a small dead end street used for fly tipping. It's a real microcosm of contemporary life. I spent an hour or so photographing within a few square metres

FREETOWN

2007-12-19T22:26:00.001Z

FREETOWN (NON HDR), originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Freetown is a locale which lies within the hinterland of the expanding town of Bury in Lancashire. Its origins lie in the "free" land which was situated between Church glebe land and the local landowner - the Derby Estate.

Freetown developed as Bury's sweatshop, providing the fragmentary services needed for the rapidly expanding paper and cotton mills around the town. It was a place of artisan craftsmen, and individual entrepreneurship. By the 1830's domestic houses were being built alongside the industrial structures. Street's were called after Pitt, Kay, Cobden and Bright and had strong political attachments. In 1846 a Parliamentary enquiry described Freetown as a filthy place and one of the worst areas of the country to live in.

Freetown is a still a chaotic mix of industry, leisure and commerce which has developed in a completely haphazard and organic way, no doubt encouraged by its status as being free from church and landed gentry control. This "in-betweeness" is all the more apparent by the eclectic nature of it's plan form, the layered tapestry of industrial architecture, and the temporary nature of some of the structures inhabited.

Today most visitors to Freetown would find it raw, dirty, full of shadows, and detritus. It survives, surprisingly, smack bang next to the ordered form of the expanding town centre. It survives, in spite of a society intent on political correctness - and in this respect it is still free. This is what I find remarkable, and dare I say it, refreshing about the place. Areas which look destitute, and survive within the penumbra of our economy, are fertile with real messages about our society and the vast difference between what is perceived and what actually IS.

Over the next few days I will post more images of Freetown

Rochdale Town Hall Clock Tower

2007-12-15T08:37:00.001Z

Rochdale Town Hall Clock Tower, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

The original clock tower was destroyed by fire - this tower is by Waterhouse and is an iconic site throughout the Rochdale Borough.

Town Hall Vertigo

2007-12-14T23:12:00.001Z

Town Hall Vertigo, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Seriously, best viewed LARGE

The steps at Rochdale

2007-12-14T08:35:00.001Z

The steps at Rochdale, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

The old worn steps leading down to Rochdale Town Centre veiled behind a wall of winter trees.

Bury Silhouette

2007-11-26T20:23:00.001Z

Bury Silhouette, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Bury Parish Church from Chesham Local Nature Reserve

Whoooaaa!

2007-11-25T15:19:00.001Z

Whoooaaa!, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

This morning I managed to cadge a lift during the inspection of a roof on this 42m cherry picker - a little too windy for my liking!

Sunset over Walkers Field

2007-11-23T14:05:00.001Z

Sunset over Walkers Field, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

It was a damp and dull day today, but I looked out the back window of the attic and saw that maybe the sun might fall below the canopy of cloud in the distance. So, I fixed the camera to the tripod, checked the iso and put the mirror on lock - up. 20 mins later hey presto!

Putting up the prints!

2007-11-20T19:40:00.001Z

Putting up the prints!, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

I must be settling in to the new home - started putting up the prints :-)

pics are hereand here

Double Folly

2007-11-16T16:43:00.001Z

Double Folly, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Graffiti on the folly built for Chesham House (now demolished) in the grounds of Chesham Woods, Bury

Chesham LNR Miniplanet!

2007-11-11T17:50:00.001Z

Chesham LNR Miniplanet!, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Open countryside, nature and wildlife for all....

The bridge at Lower Lee Wood 3 of 3

2007-11-08T09:59:00.001Z

The bridge at Lower Lee Wood 3 of 3, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Fine art rendition of the pathway over the bridge at Lower Lee Wood, Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury.

Map of Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury, Lancs

Chesham House Wood 2 of 3

2007-11-07T12:38:00.001Z

Chesham House Wood 2 of 3, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Fine art rendition of a beautiful spot in the woods during an early autumnal morning. Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury

Map of Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury, Lancs

Chesham House Wood 1 of 3

2007-11-06T13:47:00.001Z

Chesham House Wood 1 of 3, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Fine art rendition of Chesham House Wood in the Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury. I am fascinated by pathways and crossways and thus the emphasis in this and the other three photos

Map of Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury, Lancs

Lower Lee Wood

2007-11-05T17:18:00.001Z

Lower Lee Wood, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

I was up with the birds this morning continuing my quest to record my locality. Lower Lee Wood is part of the Chesham Local Nature Reserve in Bury

Map of Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury, Lancs

Tomato Incarnate

2007-10-28T14:04:00.001Z

Tomato Incarnate, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Further to gathering in the last of the vegetables on our allotment we came across this little devil of a tomato. This is the real thing - no photoshoping! Perfect for that halloween salad lunch!

Harvest Festival

2007-10-27T07:39:00.001Z

Harvest Festival, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

The sun is noticeably lower in the sky and the weeds have stopped growing. The wildflower garden is ready to seed and the last of the onions have finished 'airing' in the allotment shed. Leeks are coming into prominance and we've lifted a few for a tasty Italian Leek Risotto. Charlotte is busy clearing up the annuals around the gazebo.

On the map!

2007-10-22T19:39:00.001Z

On the map!, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Having moved house, I went to Waterstone's in Manchester to get a map of the area and imagine my surprise in finding one of my photo's on the front of the map of my new area! (where the photo goes to doesn't get reported at the photo agency).

This photo is of the Burr's country park in Bury and if your close by it is well worth a visit

Edgar Wood: the one that got away

2007-10-16T10:43:00.001Z

Edgar Wood: the one that got away, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

There's always something left in the oven when your cooking for a dinner party. This is the one that I missed out for the exhibition.

Part of the Art Nouveau style gate entrance to the courtyard of Long Street Methodist Church (1901)

View from the attic window

2007-10-15T18:36:00.001Z

View from the attic window, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

It's good to be back :-)

We finally moved to a new home and now we're back up on the internet which is a relief. So I can start to re-acquaint myself with old friends.

Edgar Wood: Durnford Street

2007-09-17T21:23:00.001Z

Edgar Wood: Durnford Street, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Along with Sellers, Wood provides us with an intimation of the Modern in Middleton near Manchester. For me this has intimations of the Wiener Werkstatte and the Palais Stoclet.

Despite it being listed most of the building was demolished recently (just the tower block remains)

See the full exhibition here

Edgar Wood (architect) miniplanet

2007-09-15T04:10:00.001Z

Edgar Wood (architect) miniplanet, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

See the full exhibition here

Between the 6th and 9th of September 2007 I held an exhibition on Edgar Wood in Middleton at Long Street Methodist Church. Here are the prints from the exhibition which are still available for purchase. All funds go to the Friends of Long Street Methodist Church. For cost and purchase information you can flickr mail me or contact me at enquiries@fotofacade.com.

“There is an individuality about Edgar Wood’s work that represents the unique spirit of Middleton.

His work is rooted in the history, the culture and the buildings of Middleton.

If you look closely at the images in this exhibition, you might notice a dialogue between Wood and the Middleton of his time. A dialogue, which includes form, pattern and decoration, absorbed through his association with other historic buildings such as Saint Leonard’s Parish Church and Hopwood Hall.

Middleton is suffering from an architectural “snow blindness”. This white-out is caused by the fact that we have so many unique and notable buildings.

Edgar Wood’s buildings alone mark out this proud old town as being a little different than others.

How many cities, notwithstanding towns, have the benefit of the unadulterated patronage of an architectural genius – and also reflect the full architectural development of such a genius?

Add to this the remarkable collection of significant other buildings scattered throughout the town, and we have something that can’t and won’t remain unnoticed forever.

It is important therefore for us, as custodians of our historic town, to ensure that Middleton’s importance is recognised beyond its borders, and that we look after our historic built heritage – down to the very last detail.

This exhibition is intended to further this cause, and also to bring attention to the threats and dangers, which are apparent to some of his buildings.

Long Street Methodist Church is one such building, and it needs your support to continue its future as a priceless part of Middleton’s built heritage.

Thanks to the Friends of Long Street Methodist Church for commissioning this work.

This exhibition is dedicated to my Mum and Dad. “

woodyoubelieveit

2007-09-08T08:02:00.001Z

woodyoubelieveit, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Allotment stories

2007-08-09T12:05:00.001Z

Allotment stories, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Went up to the allotment after a stressful day this evening and just tinkered about, pruning here and gathering fruit there. Cleared out the pea patch ready for winter vegetables and gave the tomatoes and cucumbers a long hard drink. The onions are doing fine drying out in the shed.

f o t o f a c a d e

Queens Cross Church by Charles Rennie Mackintosh

House For An Art Lover, Glasgow

Manchester Town Hall Miniplanet

Beverley Minster Sextych

Paris Exposition: Salle des Fetes, Paris, France, 1900

The Gallery Door

Saint Edmund: Tower Staircase

Pro Patria

Compare and Contrast

Pattern and Decoration in Beverley Minster

New Blog

Masonic Intrigue (Part 2)

ON THE MOVE!

Masonic Intrigue (Part 1)

The Glory of English Gothic Architecture

Villa La Roche by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret

Re-discovering Edgar Wood

Long Street Methodist Church Interior

Sunday School, Edgar Wood and J H Sellers. 1910

Sunday School, Edgar Wood and J H Sellers. 1910

Sunday School, Edgar Wood and J H Sellers. 1910

Saint Edmund's - The full scheme

Stained Glass Miniplanet

Mantra

Exhibiting Edgar Wood

Le Corbusier: Villa La Roche (1923)

Windows

The Architectural Photographer's Mantra

Exhibition Graphic

Filigree Fenestration

Filigree Fenestration

Dad's Wall

Cellar Discovery - *****UPDATE*****

Hammerbeam View

Christ in macro

Cellar Discovery

Period Glass

Celestial Semantics

Chair without seat

Capturing the Lecturn

Choir Stall Finial

Saint Edmund: Tower Staircase

Royd's Chapel East Window Detail

Royd's Chapel detail

Royd's Chapel East Window

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

Saint Edmund's in macro

Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmund's, Falinge

Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmund's, Falinge

Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmund's, Falinge

Angel - Royd's Chapel

Sacred Light

Roof Timbers Royd's Chapel

Masonic Symbol, Lecturn, Royd's Chapel

Altar view from Royd's Chapel

Royd's Brass Memorial Fonts

Royd's Brass Memorial

Roof Detail, South Transept

Corbel and Organ, South Transept

The Masonic Lecturn, Saint Edmunds, Falinge

Royd's Chapel Altar Rail with masonic symbols

The Royds Chapel

St. Edmunds: Hammer Beam study

St. Edmunds: Hammer Beam study

St. Edmunds: Hammer Beam study

I AM THE....

Hammerbeam Chancel

Remembering Dad

The Lindley Clock Tower

...which oerleaps itself

Vaulting Ambition

1000

Happy New Year!

Tyre

Shoe

Bovril

FREETOWN

Rochdale Town Hall Clock Tower

Town Hall Vertigo

Cellar Discovery - UPDATE