Everyone knows of St Paul's Cathedral in London even if they have not visited (like me). The huge domed structure was designed by one of England's great architects, Sir Christopher Wren, in 1708 and still stands as the seat of the Bishop of London.
The immense Baroque Cathedral stands tall at 365 feet over the city, seen in this image above from Wikipedia. Until 1965 it was the tallest building in all of London!
Of course everyone associates the Cathedral with the 1964 movie (my favorite!) Mary Poppins. It was a major tourist destination to Jane and Michael Banks and remains a hot spot in the city to this day.
Oscar winning actress Jane Darwell at 84 years of age depicted the lovable Bird Woman who sold food for pigeons from the steps of St Paul's.
Did you cry? I always do -love that song. Anyway -back on track here - we're here to discuss the details of St. Paul's. The writers may have been influenced to write the song based on said details!
Among the many sculptures decorating the facade are many depicting birds, food, and even mother birds feeding their young (seen above).
The details can get lost in such an impressive structure -above is the front entrance.
Even the rear or Apse of the Cathedral features elaborate ornament.
Birds and cherubs, birds and cherubs -the next Disney song?
Notice the birds above under the cornucopia of produce.
No birds here but plenty of winged cherubs.
Read more about "Feed the Birds" and the connection to St Pauls on their own website HERE. Thanks as always to my Australian Pen-pal Neil for the gorgeous snapshots!
I think St. Paul's is one of the best things about London's skyline. I feel sad that today it has been dwarfed and enveloped by so many modern structures. Sir Christopher will be rolling in his grave were he to visit present day London.
I have fond memories to climbing to the very top of the cathedral on a windy day and sitting in the whispering gallery.
I must post a special shot of St paul's from a special vantage point in the surroundings. It's a great sight and I love how it holds its own against the newer Shard and Gherkin in the skyline.
I always visit St. Paul's when I am in London. I remember being there as a child, soon after the movie was released and for many years, my memories of childhood trips to England were mixed up with Mary Poppins. It wasn't until I saw the movie again as an adult that I realized what had happened (and I am not talking about floating uncles or chimney sweeps, just some of the mundane things like feeding the birds.)
Absolutely amazing and oh Mary Poppins, I am due for a rewatch of the movie! Stefan I too hope to see St. Paul's. Loved the video and thanks for sharing this. xo, Vera
My husband and I are celebrating his retirement with a trip to London next year. St. Pauls is on the list of course. Thanks for the pictures.
ps Off Topic kinda': years ago the not for profit I worked for had a bird house auction where we invited area architects to produce one of kind housing for birds. An architecture professor made a replica of St Pauls tower...and creatively used half of a a copper toilet floater for the dome. The idea of that still makes me smile.
Yes, Stefan, you must definitely visit St. Paul's! Thank you for the great pics of the cherubs and birds. I concentrated on the inside of the Cathedral and so it is good see these outside details. Not to mention that Mary Poppins is one of my most favorite movies. Cheers, MDC
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I think St. Paul's is one of the best things about London's skyline. I feel sad that today it has been dwarfed and enveloped by so many modern structures. Sir Christopher will be rolling in his grave were he to visit present day London.
ReplyDeleteI have fond memories to climbing to the very top of the cathedral on a windy day and sitting in the whispering gallery.
I'll get there one day myself Chronica Domus!
ReplyDeleteOh how that song touches my heart Stefan!
ReplyDeleteWhat an astounding landmark!
Xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Featuring India Hicks!
I must post a special shot of St paul's from a special vantage point in the surroundings. It's a great sight and I love how it holds its own against the newer Shard and Gherkin in the skyline.
ReplyDeleteI always visit St. Paul's when I am in London. I remember being there as a child, soon after the movie was released and for many years, my memories of childhood trips to England were mixed up with Mary Poppins. It wasn't until I saw the movie again as an adult that I realized what had happened (and I am not talking about floating uncles or chimney sweeps, just some of the mundane things like feeding the birds.)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely amazing and oh Mary Poppins, I am due for a rewatch of the movie! Stefan I too hope to see St. Paul's. Loved the video and thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeletexo,
Vera
My husband and I are celebrating his retirement with a trip to London next year. St. Pauls is on the list of course. Thanks for the pictures.
ReplyDeleteps Off Topic kinda': years ago the not for profit I worked for had a bird house auction where we invited area architects to produce one of kind housing for birds. An architecture professor made a replica of St Pauls tower...and creatively used half of a a copper toilet floater for the dome. The idea of that still makes me smile.
Yes, Stefan, you must definitely visit St. Paul's! Thank you for the great pics of the cherubs and birds. I concentrated on the inside of the Cathedral and so it is good see these outside details. Not to mention that Mary Poppins is one of my most favorite movies. Cheers, MDC
ReplyDelete