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Friday, January 30, 2009
Topper-Towels!
Western Kentucky University honor students proudly display their Hilltopper-Towels in front of Harlaxton Manor.
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Monday, January 26, 2009
Today's Drawing
This was started a couple of days ago. Tonight I had a chance to finish it. I'm gonna twist Leslie's arm to post some of the landscapes she has been working on.
There are several hundred putti hangin around this place - they are begging to be sketched. No seriously....hundreds! :)
There are several hundred putti hangin around this place - they are begging to be sketched. No seriously....hundreds! :)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Belvoir Castle
From our room window, Leslie and I can see Belvoir Castle (pronounced beaver) on the horizon. Can you find it?
This link gives a closer look at Belvoir Castle from the same angle.
www.oldengine.org/members/dolly/belvoir/belvoir%20castle.jpg
The historic town of Lincoln (Lincoln Cathedral)
On Friday we spent the day in historic Lincoln, England.
Shortly after the Norman Conquest (CE 1066), William the Conqueror ordered the first cathedral to be built in Lincoln, England. This dates to roughly CE 1076. The cathedral has been damaged over the years and even destroyed by fires and earthquakes. The structure features several distinct architectural styles which relate to its chronology.
The norman/romanesque style, is evident by the roman-style round arches on the lower levels of the west facade. Romanesque architecture is characterised by round arches as well as massively thick (load bearing) walls and pillars which support the structures. Architects aspiring to create taller romanesque buildings had to support the additional weight with even thicker walls that contained fewer windows. The result is an increasingly bulky and dark interior.
The cathedral's final form is that of various gothic styles. The earliest of which originated in France at the Church of Saint-Denis.
“I see myself dwelling, as it were, in some strange region of the universe which neither exists entirely in the slime of the earth nor the purity of heaven,” ... “By the grace of God I can be transported.”
- Abbot Suger
In this quote by Abbot Suger, the first patron of the Gothic style, he describes the transcendental effect created by new architectural devices (some were influenced by Islamic technology gained during the Crusades). These devices include a pointed arch rather than a round one, which better directs the weight of the wall downward, as opposed to outward. Unlike the Romanesque's thick pillars, the Gothic style uses clusters of thin columns bound together creating lines that lead the eye upwards vertically. Ceilings become lighter by use of the rib-vault. The weight of the roof and structure is directed away from the wall through a series of flying-buttresses.
Used collectively, these architectural devices allow the gothic structures to become taller (soaring upwards towards the heavens) and relatively lighter both physically and visually. Since the weight of the structure is no longer supported by the outside walls, the architect is able to incorporate large stain glass windows, which are used abundantly to fill the interior space with a transcending light.
West facade
Portal on west facade with nordic-esque "animal style" carvings on the columns.(Normandy was inhabited by norsemen/vikings)
View down the Nave of the cathedral
Stain glass windows not only radiated divine light, they served to educate the masses during an illiterate era. Window images would relay information by way of biblical story and sometimes included the history of the cathedral's construction and patronage.
Rose window in south transept
flying-buttress photo by Richard Croft, C.C. image from Wiki
A flying-buttress and pier.
Shortly after the Norman Conquest (CE 1066), William the Conqueror ordered the first cathedral to be built in Lincoln, England. This dates to roughly CE 1076. The cathedral has been damaged over the years and even destroyed by fires and earthquakes. The structure features several distinct architectural styles which relate to its chronology.
The norman/romanesque style, is evident by the roman-style round arches on the lower levels of the west facade. Romanesque architecture is characterised by round arches as well as massively thick (load bearing) walls and pillars which support the structures. Architects aspiring to create taller romanesque buildings had to support the additional weight with even thicker walls that contained fewer windows. The result is an increasingly bulky and dark interior.
The cathedral's final form is that of various gothic styles. The earliest of which originated in France at the Church of Saint-Denis.
“I see myself dwelling, as it were, in some strange region of the universe which neither exists entirely in the slime of the earth nor the purity of heaven,” ... “By the grace of God I can be transported.”
- Abbot Suger
In this quote by Abbot Suger, the first patron of the Gothic style, he describes the transcendental effect created by new architectural devices (some were influenced by Islamic technology gained during the Crusades). These devices include a pointed arch rather than a round one, which better directs the weight of the wall downward, as opposed to outward. Unlike the Romanesque's thick pillars, the Gothic style uses clusters of thin columns bound together creating lines that lead the eye upwards vertically. Ceilings become lighter by use of the rib-vault. The weight of the roof and structure is directed away from the wall through a series of flying-buttresses.
Used collectively, these architectural devices allow the gothic structures to become taller (soaring upwards towards the heavens) and relatively lighter both physically and visually. Since the weight of the structure is no longer supported by the outside walls, the architect is able to incorporate large stain glass windows, which are used abundantly to fill the interior space with a transcending light.
West facade
Portal on west facade with nordic-esque "animal style" carvings on the columns.(Normandy was inhabited by norsemen/vikings)
View down the Nave of the cathedral
Stain glass windows not only radiated divine light, they served to educate the masses during an illiterate era. Window images would relay information by way of biblical story and sometimes included the history of the cathedral's construction and patronage.
Rose window in south transept
flying-buttress photo by Richard Croft, C.C. image from WikiA flying-buttress and pier.
The Historic town of Lincoln (Roman ruins)
In AD 48, Lincoln was a strategic military point for Rome's IX Legion. The name "Lincoln" is a condensed version of the roman words "Lindon" which means foothill, and "Colonia" which is a chartered town for retired legionary soldiers.
Historians believe the IX legion passed beneath these very arches on their way to conquer the northern territories. Although the archways seem fairly short to us, they extend further into the earth a short distance. Approximately 8' of sediment has been deposited since their time, burying all but the tops of the Roman ruins in Lincoln.
Historians believe the IX legion passed beneath these very arches on their way to conquer the northern territories. Although the archways seem fairly short to us, they extend further into the earth a short distance. Approximately 8' of sediment has been deposited since their time, burying all but the tops of the Roman ruins in Lincoln.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Hampton Court
On Sunday we visited Hampton Court, originally built by Cardinal Wolsey. It housed many monarchs and their families including notables such as Henry VIII, Ann Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon, "Bloody" Mary I and a couple royal Charlies!
At lunch Leslie and I ate wild boar stew!
At lunch Leslie and I ate wild boar stew!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A weekend in London :)
A picture of Trafalgar Square, view from the National Gallery.
"Big Ben" in the distance, view from Trafalgar Square.
Tower Bridge
"Big Ben" view from Parliament Square
St. Paul's taken during an evening stroll
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Full moon tonight!
Leslie had a chance to sneak outside and snap some great pics of the full moon tonight. The fog is pretty creepy.
Jan 6th-9th, First days at Harlaxton Manor
Our adventure begins! After some hiccups at Lambert Airport we finally arrived at Harlaxton Manor. It is spectacular! Lots of greetings and meetings. Friendly faculty and staff have made the beginning of this trip a memorable start.
The view out our room window!
Shake your Putti!!!
There are lots of Cherubs floating around the manor. This room (referred to as the Gold Room) is decorated in the Baroque Rococo style. The house is fascinating as it is a collage of architectural styles.
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