architect design™: National Cathedral windows

Thursday, January 8, 2015

National Cathedral windows

I recently paid a visit to the National Cathedral and was reminded of how beautiful stained glass really can be, particularly in this crisp winter light.

The windows soar towards the ceiling at a staggering 100'. The light still makes it down to the floor however, and to marvelous effect.

I posted some exterior photos a few years ago during a much warmer visit HERE (with a real camera instead of my iphone)

These sacred spaces really are special; thanks to artisans, architects, and perhaps a divine presence.

9 comments:

Mark D. Ruffner said...: Hi, Stefan,

I became interested in stained glass around the time that I started etching glass, and was lucky enough to collaborate with a professional stained glass artist. Not many people realize that the early stained glass windows were designed in part to relate stories for illiterate worshipers, which was the majority of medieval churchgoers.; January 8, 2015 at 9:49 AM
ArchitectDesign™ said...: Hi Mark -yes - these windows tell stories! Even though these are modern windows they follow the tradition. Many of the stories are actually secular as it is the 'national' cathedral.; January 8, 2015 at 12:22 PM
Karena said...: Stefan, thank you for sharing this beauty and to Mark for the history I had not even thought about the medieval stained glass windows.

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena; January 8, 2015 at 1:01 PM
Chronica Domus said...: There is so much beauty in churches and I always make a point of touring them wherever I find myself. I just returned from NY and saw some very beautiful, large and yes, old churches the likes of which do not exist in SF.

Thanks for the tour of this beautiful cathedral.; January 8, 2015 at 3:54 PM
Thombeau said...: Just lovely!; January 8, 2015 at 5:11 PM
ArchitectDesign™ said...: CD -there are some beautiful churches in SF though too!; January 8, 2015 at 5:46 PM
Deana Sidney said...: Looks like we were both in a stained glass mood this week! The pictures do sing, don't they? All the drama made the church seem important. So many of the new churches look like cheap theme parks with really poor stained glass. Beautiful photos...; January 8, 2015 at 7:33 PM
Ann said...: I recently bought an Apple TV (what took me so long?) and have discovered the PBS "app" on there. I have been watching a bunch of documentaries and just saw a feature on the restoration of Rosslyn Chapel. At one point they interviewed the head of the stained glass restoration and it was fascinating to hear the process. Also he talked about how the chapel was created long before the stained glass but it was constructed with the intent to add it. Anyway, I digress, what I thought so poignant was the comment he made about how the chapel would completely miss the ambiance, mystery and sense of place without the glass. So true, and these photos you captures speak to that very same thing!; January 9, 2015 at 8:46 AM
Windlost said...: Heavenly!!

Happy 8 year anniversary Stefan. My life is enriched and inspired by you and your lovely blog!

xo Terri; January 10, 2015 at 6:08 PM