Saturday 4 July 2009

Spider adds Mystery to Stained Glass Window

One of two chapels in the Perrymead RC Cemetery contains some seriously stunning stained glass windows and as the city of Bath's chapels were specially opened for the day, the public were able to view them. I was so impressed and took some photographs to share with you. When I looked at the second photograph, I noticed a spider on the left sleeve of Mary. Indeed, when I looked at the third photograph, an intentional close-up of the hand, the spider is very clear to see. I think perhaps, it is a real spider that didn't want to be left out of the shot? Maybe a regular follower of this blog, the fantastic stained glass artist Joanna Dover can advise? Remember to click on the images for a closer view!







19 comments:

  1. I love stained glass windows and these are beautiful! And eeeeeeeks, a spider! I am afraid of spiders, LOL.

    Sweet greetings from the Netherlands

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  2. lovely images of the stained glass, very moving...I enjoyed viewing them.

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  3. Wow, it's big. Call the Rector and ask...about Mary's spider...oooowwww

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  4. Hey Laurie, someone's been busily posting yesterday ... even the spiders have come out of the woodwork to see what all the commotion's about... How far back does this stained glass go? That's one thing I love about wandering around Europe, there is stained glass in places that often is older than the whatever point in time one chooses as the start of "American" history (other than that of of the true Americans who were there before Europeans arrived) Anyway, was the spider still alive??? Or was it a dessicated ex-spider ?

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  5. This is so beautiful..I really loved and enjoyed this one..Do check my another blog also i.e.Unseen Rajasthan

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  6. Laurie, these portraits are indeed mysteries! i'm going with the point of view that that's a real spider; can't think of a Biblical reference. Mary is always cloaked in blue--so the top two in red? And what is the symbolism of her reading? Her face is incredibly beautiful, infused with feeling. And when she looks down at the Lamb of God, he looks up at her; very real Madonna and child. Thank you for these.

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  7. Hello Laurie! and thanks for the kind words about my work! Very interesting - this appears to be(what we know in the trade as)a restoration spider. This spiders are employed by the local Diocese to clean and restore the stained glass, and in return they get board and lodging, food and a small stipend. These particular spiders are employed as they have long thin legs, and can clean well, but not distract viewers from the beauty of the glass, so clever you for spotting him at work!

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  8. Oh - and the work looks typically Victorian. Owen - the oldest glass I have worked with is medieval fragments from 1150!! If you think this glass work is nice Laurie, you should try and check out some 'Kempe' Now that is incredible stained glass - so well painted, and British!

    You know - I think you would really enjoy 'Harry Clarke' glass also, (if you don't already!)

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  9. Those photos are wonderful, I just love stained glass!

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  10. @saili


    Man, I followed that the dark truth link, and was completely in the story. Damn exciting. The latest post talks about a friend of him who's gone missing . Somewhere on his way to Leh, India. And the guy is asking for help find it. Soundss like an online game . This looks interesting. M already hooked on.

    Hey, btw, nice post you have there - keep rocking - ;)

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  11. Hi Laurie... just did a little post for you this morning, if you have a sec drop by to take a peek, just be careful, bring some zebra steaks with you in case they come out of the screen...

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  12. Beautiful pictures. I love stain glass paintings. This is a great post:)

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  13. This stain glass window is fabulous and yes, the spider makes it even more interesting!
    Great post:)

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  14. Spinning its net to protect what means much for many - tonight especially for me.

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  15. I love stained glass; these are wonderful.

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  16. Es desconcertante...no esperaba encontrarme arte funerario en fotos que rezuman esa calma a la vez que misterio y soledad. Hay blogs para todos los gustos, pero no entiendo cómo te hiciste seguidor del mío, somos tan distintos.

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