On my visit to the almshouses at St. Cross I hoped to meet one of the Brothers who would agree to have his photo taken. In the tea-room, housed in the Hundred Men's Hall, I met Brother Andrew who was taking visitors' payments for tea and cakes.
He told me that he has lived at St Cross for 2 years and has been getting up very early every day to make all the cakes for the tea room. Serious health problems with his feet have now curtailed his baking, this the reason he was sitting down in charge of the cash box. He will soon be moving to St. John's Almshouses where there is nursing care which is not available at St. Cross.
Brother Andrew moved to Hampshire from Kent 20 years ago to take up a position as butler to Lord and Lady Portsmouth at Farleigh Wallop. Although he is no longer a butler, he is still a florist and is deputy head of flowers at Winchester Cathedral.
He was very open to having his photo taken. I took just two and liked them both but have posted the second for which I asked Brother Andrew to move his scarf slightly to show the silver Jerusalem cross, emblem of the Hospital of St Cross.
Nancy, the manageress of the tea room, was present during my conversation with Brother Andrew and talking with me afterwards she said, not unkindly at all, that she found me direct and able to take advantage of an opportunity. (I've reflected on that and find it OK!) I have to say that Brother Andrew was probably the most enthusiastic subject whom I have approached and Nancy was also teasing him that he liked to talk about himself.
A very interesting encounter and I also had, with my tea, a piece of Victoria sandwich made by Brother Andrew, one of his last for the tea-rooms.
Well that is a lovely account of your encounter with Brother Andrew. The best part for me is the stories & history relating to each person. Perhaps that is your secret that people do like to talk about themselves & you give them a legitimate chance. I also admire the way you had the confidence to ask him to pose in a certain way & even arrange his scarf! When I have tried I just ask & then flash a couple of quick photos off to get it over with. Your darker backgrounds work better too. All lessons I learned from you.
A really nice portrait Hazel.
Great tale and story and a beautiful portrait of the man.
I wonder do we still have brothers in our country. In my childhood I saw many and in the history of our country they play a big part. This day`s they are rare.
What a charming face and an interesting story! Any chance you can explain a "brother" when he's been a butler anda florist? I'm not familiar with the hierarchy of the church!
Fav. Fav not just for the photo but also the story going with the photo. When looking at his face...just another face another photo. After reading the story the face becomes interesting and you see more!
The St Cross almshouses are a secular, not a religious organisation and provide lodgings for retired men (around 25 in number I think) who are called brothers (brethren) but who are not monks. They pay rent for their flats and have to be financially self-sufficient. They do have to attend church in their robes every morning so I do find it all a bit confusing myself!
Your Portraits are very good,we have a 50mm macro lens and they are very good for close up Portraits with an f2.0-f22 Aperture I lovbe it fav for your very good photo:)
hmmm well you have to be a bit direct to get a stranger hot haze. nice shot and story, andrew looks quite thoughtful, possibly a little sadness in his eyes
I think you have to have an ease about people and asking them for their photo that allows you to go with whatever answer they give. There's a lady in our camera club who is like that. She gets all kinds of people to allow her to take their shot- but she used to be a portrait photographer for the New York Fashion Institute! I saw the other portrait first, but this one is just as excellent!
A really nice portrait Hazel.
Bep, I did take a shot of Brother John earlier this year - guess that's what you are thinking of: http://365project.org/quietpurplehaze/add-ins/2015-04-10
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Thanks, Hazel. I remember him and the story you told us.
I feel 'chuffed' Bep that you remember.
I think butlers are almost obsolete now. They worked for the aristocracy and would have been in charge of accounts, supervising servants etc.
I wonder do we still have brothers in our country. In my childhood I saw many and in the history of our country they play a big part. This day`s they are rare.
The St Cross almshouses are a secular, not a religious organisation and provide lodgings for retired men (around 25 in number I think) who are called brothers (brethren) but who are not monks. They pay rent for their flats and have to be financially self-sufficient. They do have to attend church in their robes every morning so I do find it all a bit confusing myself!
Thanks for reflections on portrait photography and for comment on my shot, Ann!
Yes, agree, a bit wistful perhaps. He probably feels it a bit having to leave St Cross because of his health probs.