In contrast to the sculptures shown yesterday, these statues are still on the exterior of the church for which they were created. They are located high up on the west front of York Minster, and they caught my eye with the sun highlighting them. I can't say I've really noticed them before, and I've no idea who they represent, but it is remarkable to think of the amount of work involved in creating them, when few people will take much notice of them.
It is a very contrasting story looking at the fates of St Mary's Abbey and York Minster. The abbey lies in ruins in the Museum Gardens, while York Minster continues in use as a church, where the building is well maintained and where huge sums of money are spent each year on maintenance.
For those who have asked about my mum, she continues to make slow progress. She is determined to continue living independantly in her own home, which at 92 years of age is quite impressive. A care worker now calls each morning to help her with some of her daily tasks. It was nice to see her yesterday, the first time I've been able to visit since she came out of hospital. My illness before Christmas prevented an earlier visit.
There are some interesting statues, gargoyles and grotesques on the Minster which create a perfect cliff face for Mr & Mrs Minster, the resident Peregrines. If you are fortunate you can see them on the West face, but they prefer the North Tower just inside Dean's Garden.
j
I'm always left shaking my head at the sheer talent and dedication of the artists who created these sculptures so long ago... thank you for sharing with us. And I'm so glad that your Mum sounds to be doing well!
You have narrowed in on a really interesting set of characters there, lovely shot. And your mum sounds amazing! Glad you got to see her.
@fishers Novice practical question! May I just ask how you achieve the collages? I can't see a way of uploading more than one photo so I am intrigued as to how you managed that interesting collage of the floods.
Gorgeous shot, Ian. I have read a lot about the majesty of the York minster and I agree with you about the amazing sculptures that make these buildings look so heavenly. We don't have them in Malta. Most of our churches are more baroque in design.
Thank you all for your lovely comments, they are very much appreciated.
It would be interesting to know the age of these sculptures, and who they represent. They look in good condition so they might not be that old. The rock that the Minster is built of is Magnesian Limestone, which can be badly affected by acid rain, and there is a replacement programme to renew the most badly eroded stone.
I create collages before uploading to 365. There are two free progrms that I use - Picasa and PicMonkey. The flood collage was created using Picasa, which has the nice freeform layout. If you need any help using it, let me know.
j
Glad to read you both doing better. You Mum is amazing.
@fishers Novice practical question! May I just ask how you achieve the collages? I can't see a way of uploading more than one photo so I am intrigued as to how you managed that interesting collage of the floods.
Thank you all for your lovely comments, they are very much appreciated.
It would be interesting to know the age of these sculptures, and who they represent. They look in good condition so they might not be that old. The rock that the Minster is built of is Magnesian Limestone, which can be badly affected by acid rain, and there is a replacement programme to renew the most badly eroded stone.
Ian
I haven't seen the peregrines on the Minster, but I did get a shot of one on a pinacle on Wakefield Cathedral last June - see http://365project.org/fishers/365/2016-06-28
Ian
I create collages before uploading to 365. There are two free progrms that I use - Picasa and PicMonkey. The flood collage was created using Picasa, which has the nice freeform layout. If you need any help using it, let me know.
Ian
Not sure if the one next to right is shivering, or just looking shifty - perhaps he has just been to betray someone for 30 pieces of silver?
Ian
Thank you Bob. I agree about Picasa, it has evolved to become a very useful product.
Ian