Masonic Intrigue (Part 1)

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.....

Chinese Arch Liverpool UK

You can purchase this image here

More images of the Chinese Arch Liverpool

More images of Liverpool architecture

One Bird That Won't Get Flu

This is a shot I took last year of the famous Liver Bird on the Liver Building Liverpool UK.

You can purchase this image at Alamy

Arc de Triomphe 2

The weather wasn't too much and perhaps this is why I took this shot of an iconic landmark. This structure is so huge it is hard to convey - I do believe that it is the biggest triumphal arch in the world.

More images of Paris here

Lest We Forget

I have a strong attachment to Remembrance Day both my Great Granddad's died in the first world war. They were buried in Abbeville and Rouen in France and we have taken great pride in calling down there to maintain our links, our respect and our identity. I took the photo in 2004 at Oldham Lancashire with the Parish Church in the background.

BEHIND THE PHOTO...

This image was taken in 2004 on a photographic trip down to Shrewsbury and Hereford. It is of a Sheela-na-gig corbel at Kilpeck Herefordshire.

Saint Mary and Saint David's Parish Church Kilpeck is a jewel of Romanesque sculpture. The exterior corbel table consists of 23 (originally 24) lively sculptures based upon worldly themes.

One such corbel is the Sheela-na-gig, often thought of as a fertility symbol. What is certain is that it is designed to have an impact and that it's form shows the influence of pagan symbolism on the Christian religion.

There are many theories as to why such symbolism was used and where the source of such imagery may have come from. Some think that the Bestiary is an influence. Others think that the ring of corbels is a symbolic worldly ring around the kingdom of God.

Whatever the source, it makes for striking imagery, even in today's secular world.

You can read all about the Romanesque sculpture at Kilpeck at the remarkable site entitled The Corpus of Romanesque Sculpture in Britain and Ireland . On the site, look out for Ron Baxter's description of the Sheela- na-gig - its just as lively as the sculpture itself!

You can view all of my images of Kilpeck here

For a fascinating blog on church architecture see James Fielding's blog here

The Sheela-na-gig image is available as a print in the following formats:-
1. Framed Print
2. Poster
3. Greeting Card
4. Postcard
5. 2006 Calendar