I took a muddy walk yesterday across the water meadows to the almshouses at St Cross. Hardly any creature about, apart from a lone swan on the river. I knew the Norman church was closed for heating installation but at reception, showing my annual pass, I discovered that the Master's garden was also closed for installation of heating pipes.
So I took a couple of shots in the quad and then sat on a seat, thinking that all I would have to show for my photo-shoot outing would be a swan and an unseasonably flowering yellow rose.
But soon I saw a gentleman coming towards me from the brothers' quarters and hopefully asked him if he was a brother. He answered yes and when I explained my portrait project he said that if I waited a minute he'd go back and change into his robes.
So this is Brother John who wears the clothing of the order of the Hospital of St Cross founded in approximately 1132 by Bishop Henry of Blois (Bishop of Winchester and grandson of William the Conqueror): black robe and trencher hat, with the silver Cross of Jerusalem.
I asked Brother John to sit on the wooden seat where I had been sitting as the stonework of the entrance archway provided a neutral background for the portrait. He seemed totally relaxed and I took just two shots.
Brother John told me that he is the newest of the brothers, having come from Deal in Kent just eight months ago. He was in the RAF for 40 years and a management consultant for 15.
In his early seventies, Brother John went to university in Canterbury and studied for various degrees, including a Master's, the subjects being religion and terrorism. I couldn't help but remark on the relevance of this today.
He does look very happy to have a photograph taken and great that he put his robes on for you. Lovely capture Hazel you do so well in finding interesting subjects for your strangers.
Brother John should be quite proud of this portrait you did of him - what marvelous lighting you got on his face - such as interesting history to St. Cross and to Brother John as well. Very enjoyable reading.
Another wonderful meeting with such an interesting subject. That is some hat & how kind of him to go in & put his robes on specially. A very interesting mix of subjects, something we should all find relevant today world. What a change of lifestyle but he must feel very content.
Beautiful portrait; he has such a wonderful expression! I enjoyed reading your narrative very much ...It gives an extra layer of meaning to this photo.
