Recent Examples from Portfolio
13th-century spandrels, Mellifont Abbey
Only very seldom is a medieval church roof properly repaired with oak carpentary, and the diocese of Bath & Wells is no different to most in this regard.
The provenance of these spandrels remains uncertain, and whilst their form is perhaps more standardised than might appear at first sight, the Early English carving is of national importance. A watery iconography is suggestive of physical contexts still visible in the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. This spandrel may depict the only portrait of Hugh of Avalon one-time prior at the first English
Carthusian house at Witham, and later bishop St Hugh
of Lincoln, whose emblem was feeding swans. What beast is being speared
by the mermaid or merman?
Phase 1 of repairs – rectified photography and assessment of condition mostly funded by local grants.
Phase 1 of repairs – rectified photography and assessment of condition mostly funded by local grants.
