iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Summer is really over in this handsome wood engraving by Olga Lehrman, but we have a cosy squirrel as ample compensation for the chill in the air. Autumn by Olga Lehmann (1912–2001) Fry Art Gallery via Art UK @stroudstory.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Charming Autumnal wood engraving by Derrick Harris 1919-1960. It's possible that amid all the abundance, the large scythe has some less jolly connotations! @churchartnature.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Two old friends, & favourite churches snug in the Berkshire Downs. I remember how I enjoyed 1st seeing these beauties several years ago (then a novice church crawler) with @portaspeciosa.bsky.social. St Michael's, Blewbury (with Steve v far left in 2021); then revisiting with Kirsty yesterday.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Douglas Strachan's loyal canine in All Saints, Cambridge (left), puts me in mind of the fine canines portrayed by Tom Denny, here for instance in St Catherine's College chapel. Both dogs point to the emotional hearts of the scenes they participate in 💙 #TraceryTuesday @churchartnature.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#AllMetalMonday In the library of Westminster College, Cambridge, these "gates" had been given substantial fixings, being both robustly handsome as well as practical. @churchartnature.bsky.social @chartresfi.bsky.social @portaspeciosa.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#AllMetalMonday Westminster College's beautiful fittings made a tour of the building a visual treat. A window latch could make one's day, especially as the heart shape reminded me of Voysey.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Fabulous birdlife on the north side of Cambridge, courtesy of Douglas Strachan's magnificent scheme of stained glass in the chapel of Westminster College. @iangrebe.bsky.social @everyheron.bsky.social @churchartnature.bsky.social #StainedGlassSunday

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I took the motto of St Catherine's College, Oxford, with me to Cambridge, revisiting my student days. ‘Nova et Vetera’: 'new things & old things’ King's College was blessed by Autumn sunshine, left. Right, this photo was taken 40 years ago, the chapel looking numinous @churchartnature.bsky.social

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Candace Robb @candacerobbauthor.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

We could all use the dragon's restorative soup--tis the season, and a perfect time to join all of us who gather at Anne's patreon for glimpses into a most delightful world. You will love it!

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#LesArmoiriesDuVendredi In Nuffield College, Oxford & King's College chapel, Cambridge. Left, the scales (balance) symbolises fairness & the social sciences. The jaunty beaver suppporters reference the arms of the City of Oxford 🦫 Right, handsome crest catching the light in King's College chapel.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#FontsOnFriday in St Peter's, Cambridge. It is decorated with mermen at the angles, with forked (or bifurcated) tails, which they hold out on either side to form curves, meeting at the centre of each face of the bowl. Bold Romanesque decoration, echoed in a similar font in St George's, Anstey.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

‘Nova et Vetera’: 'new things and old things’ I borrowed from St Catherine's College, Oxford, a motto to inform my sojourn in Cambridge. I had so many old memories of my time there as a student, but I shared the experience of "now" with new church crawling friends. It made a perfect mix.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

These soft blues (left) are much to my taste, along with the more intense John Piper blues found in the windows in Nuffield College chapel (signature, right). In some way, the modest scale of the chapel matches Lord Nuffield's house, which could have been grander - but isn't! @iangrebe.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Oxford Open Doors lived up to its fine reputation this year. I saw the chapel of Nuffield College, with 5 John Piper windows, created in partnership with Patrick Reyntiens. The low top floor room fitted out for the chapel included this abstract, muted, side-window. @churchartnature.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I tried to inveigle myself into the Church of the Immaculate Conception, via this handsome arcade. But it was not to be; there was a wedding in progress. However by chance, a side-door was open, giving me a glimpse of some of Evie Hone's stained glass.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

#LesArmoiriesDuVendredi A Royal seal of approval, spotted while walking through Mayfair to St James's Park. I loved the window with its graceful glazing bars. @horatioforever.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

#TerrificTerracotta4Friday in the canal-side Berkshire village of Woolhampton. Gothic drinking fountain. Red brick with lighter brick bands, stone dressings & marble colums. Half-octagon plan. Inscribed: Righteousness exalteth a nation. Victoria R.I. Diamond Jubilee. 1897. @iangrebe.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Outside St Barnabas, piecemeal built cottages for the skilled artisans of Jericho, often in pairs. Thank goodness these were not demolished in the 1960s; instead much of the area was saved and renovated. #WallsAndWindowsOnWednesday in Oxford. @chartresfi.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

#WallsOnWednesday Glittering decoration in St Barnabas, Jericho. Built by Arthur Blomfield, 1868-9. Details here from the sanctuary with semi-circular apse, & Evangelist emblems. I always feel St Luke's ox has the biggest challenge to squeeze down to a decorative shape. @iangrebe.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The pelicans were but a prelude to an engaging walking tour of London bridges by the Victorian Society, from Westminster to Tower Bridge. I saw the Globe theatre for the 1st time. Arriving in the City in search of refreshments, this ship sailed brilliantly above me. @horatioforever.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The juvenile pelicans in St James' Park are substantial birds now. First introduced to the park in 1664 as a gift from the Russian Ambassador, & this year, raising chicks for the first time! A real treat to see them.

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EveryHeron 𓅣 @everyheron.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Red-winged Blackbirds never give up, and Herons hardly ever acknowledge them. This has surely been going on for millennia. 1/2🧵

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Smothered with ballflowers, in Leominster. #TraceryTuesday The reveals, mullions and tracery all get the treatment; and I could see the ballflowers repeated on the inside as well. @carolineirwin3.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

#TextileTuesday in Leominster Priory. My friend surreptiously snapped me admiring this altar frontal. Fruitfulness despite the drought - I quite like the rectangular grapes! @horatioforever.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

I feel that I am pleasantly poised between the first and the second, a space so suited to tracking down cathedrals, freed from their summer tourists, while waiting keenly for the arrival of elegant gadwall & teal to brighten local lakes. Artwork: Eric Ravilious @stroudstory.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

It's a lovely time of year for watching cafe au lait cygnets being handsome, preening or just snoozing.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I was so pleased when, on returning from Herefordshire, I found that John Piper had admired the Eardisley font that I had just seen. I was moved by the Harrowing of Hell scene, with vigorously carved portraits of Christ, Adam & a magnificent lion. John Piper's photo, left. @johnevigar.bsky.social

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Steve @portaspeciosa.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

No matter how hard they try having put him there they can’t keep in his grave. Houghton - Hants. #MemorialsonMonday

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Some of the most beautiful stone carving I have seen: South side of the West doorway, Leominster Priory. One's eye is immediately caught by the two confronted lions, one to each face (middle capital in photo). But the floral motifs with fluted leaves are goreous too! @portaspeciosa.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Attractive textile art in Leominster Priory. Of particular note for me, the immaculate heron, left, and right, the massive Hereford bull & dainty gathering of sheep. @carolineirwin3.bsky.social @everyheron.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

#LesArmoiriesDuVendredi Rambling from the London Transport Museum to Tottenham Court Road, I swung by some handsome civic remnants of The Metropolitan Borough of Holborn. @iangrebe.bsky.social Motto: Multi Pertransibunt et Augebitur Scientia (Many shall pass through & learning shall be increased)

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

There were some appealing beasties at the feet of the fine wooden effigies in Sparsholt. What a good boy this lion is (left), paws carefully arranged for stability. Right, a sturdy pup, keeping an eye on the angel in the next door tomb recess. @chartresfi.bsky.social @stroudstory.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

It's a thrilling feeling to find out that an artist one admires has trodden one's path previously. So it was in Sparsholt. @johnevigar.bsky.social John PIper's photographs held by the Tate showed that he had examined the superbly carved early C14th oak effigies too @churchartnature.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Handsome contemporary work by the stone masons of the Vale of the White Horse. There was new carving to admire, alongside the venerable examples, in Woolstone churchyard. This was my favourite memorial, a simple oak-type leaf motif woven imaginatively into a blanket softly embracing the dead.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

#FontsOnFriday in Lambourn. This was the "one more church" on my ramble through the Vale of the White Horse. The Church of St Michael & All Angels had 2 fonts & my heart was won by the more senior one - right. Late C17th with swags. Left, neo-Norman, Victorian. @thehistorymouse.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

This Woolstone lead font is one of a kind. #FontsOnFriday The base is a very worn, inverted, multi-scallop capital, carved on 3 faces only, similar in plan to those in the S transept arch. Resembles inverted pie crust *nibble* Unusual lead bowl with linear pattern. Fire extinguisher supplied. 🧯

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

My venerable knees have carried the burden of many a Bible, but I am in quiet contentment here in the Church of the Holy Rood, Sparsholt...until SHE disturbed my tranquillity. Ms Lowe WILL inspect me in such an impertinent fashion. An eagle lectern should not be treated so @notpodium.bsky.social.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Walking out of the churchyard at Great Shefford, & down a handsome avenue of trees, this arch seemed to be under strain. Was it a depressed arch or just a venerable one? The Wall & Gateway, C17th & C18th, are listed. Flint with brick bands, dressings & tiled coping. @thehistorymouse.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

C19th Perpendicular (?) #TraceryTuesday at St Mary's, Great Shefford, revealed as I walked through the arch into the churchyard, after a delightfully leafy approach. @thehistorymouse.bsky.social The remains of a Norman triple window are visible on the chancel's East wall. Bucolic Berkshire!

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Urgh, it's that awful Lowe woman again, come to inspect our talons! Cable-wrapped footsies, left. Agonised expression, right. St Paul's, Bledlow Ridge, Bucks. @chartresfi.bsky.social @notpodium.bsky.social @thehistorymouse.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

On a second landing stage, there was charm in abundance, in contrast to the Heron-ly intimidation. Pied and Grey Wagails provided effervescent entertainment, never still for long. This Grey beauty had a good old wing-stretch, first one side, then the other. @iangrebe.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

@everyheron.bsky.social A "BeakSpear" of ferocious dimensions, at Dinton Pastures. S/he really was dinosaur-level terrifying on this landing stage. Standing up in a pointed way was bad enough (right), but him sitting back on his knobbly "haunches" was even more intimidating. @stoooo.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Bright sunlight without (Christ Church cathedral) and gentler light shining within (right). I absolutely love seeing Perpendicular panelling in an arch or doorway, as here. It adds such an elegant flourish! @thehistorymouse.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Seen bought and being scoffed, in honour of the legendary Scotch Eggs of Cholsey. *Shamelessly satisfying* @chartresfi.bsky.social @portaspeciosa.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

@everyheron.bsky.social This heroneer has to grovel for the terrible sin of confusing a heron with a plastic bag lodged in some willows. A walk south from Abingdon on the Thames Path began with this beautiful bird, having a vigorous wash & brush up. 💙 @iangrebe.bsky.social @ceadela.bsky.social

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EveryHeron 𓅣 @everyheron.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Grey Heron and Eel, wood engraving by Colin See-Paynton (1987). museum.wales/collections/... #HeronArt

Grey Heron flying with dragonfly above abstract underwater scene patterned and with large swimming eels

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Leafy stone carving on St Frideswide's shrine, originally created c 1289, & twice reconstructed from fragments, most recently 2001-2 (after more pieces turned up)! Shy face amidst the foliage (right). Little bird, lost its beak (left); I fear he will not sing again. But the fruiting ivy is a joy.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

This Berkshire Little Egret had chosen his/her backdrop carefully. Lythrum salicaria - purple loosestrife (I think) adds a real pop of colour to the landscape. @everyheron.bsky.social @carolineirwin3.bsky.social

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