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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

In the righthand light, Strachan's handsome portrayal of sheep can be seen, with a boat in the foreground. Rather than being subsumed by floodwaters, this man kneels in a boat to fish from the river: it is a pastoral scene, where both the people & the land are renewed. @horatioforever.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

After the Flood O all ye Waters; that be above the heavens, O every Shower and Dew; bless ye the Lord. Praise and exalt him; above all for ever. As the floodwaters recede, the land bursts into new life, in this Douglas Strachan window in Westminster College chapel. The lilies fascinate me, bottom.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I feel cosy just looking at that scene!

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Yes, indeed. I think I rather enjoyed that!

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Eagle, lion & ox portayed in this detail from Douglas Strachan's glass in the chapel of Westminster College chapel Cambridge. A heavenly bronze figure looks down over the darkened hill town, its wings edged with golden eyes; the faces of a lion, an eagle & an ox, as Ezekiel describes, also visible.

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

North Moreton is very pretty. Here, a short step from the church, Cobbs Cottage and The Gate House, originally a single dwelling. Two cross wings; C17th; and an oriel window! @portaspeciosa.bsky.social

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CathyLoweBerkshire @cathylowe.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

#MonumentsMonday In All Saints, North Morton, with @stroudstory.bsky.social, seen in the background. The war memorial (a painted wooden triptych) is by Eric Gill, according to Pevsner. He stayed in the village while working on the memorial in the chapel of New College, Oxford.

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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 · 01/10/2026

Once seen, never forgotten. 😀

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

😆 He's got a spring in his step I think!

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

I learned at the feet of the master, Steve!

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

I don't think Jenkins is correct here! To see many of these triple headed decorations is a treat though.

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

Visit the watercress beds at Ewelme, then the school. almshouses and church. It's a captivating ensemble and this chap's welcoming smile is very memorable.

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

Alll churches visited were always unlocked, which is why I skipped Cholsey and East Isley. Hope to show @stroudstory.bsky.social East Hagbourne (churchyard & interior decoration shown here) at a later date!

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

Complete Berkshire Downs itinerary was: All Saints, North Moreton St Michael’s, Blewbury St Mary’s, Aldworth St Clement’s, Ashampstead St Mary’s, Hampstead Norreys & Community Café (with heavenly cake) [Reserve churches: St Mattew’s, Harwell; St Andrew’s, East Hagbourne]

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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 · 29/09/2026

The coffee stain is absolutely shocking!

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

That's crisply captured! My own rather blurry attempt at capturing the adjacent ceiling, guarded by angels. Jesus' chapel was very rewarding I thought.

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

Possibly further instalments to look forward to!

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

Bravo, Steve! Never noticed that in a multitude of visits.

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

The light fittings exuded grace. Westminster College, Cambridge. #AllMetalMonday

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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 · 28/09/2026

There were some rather daunting/dubious characters lurking in the side chapels of King's College chapel!

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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

Inside King's College chapel, the side-chapels held much to delight, in their "fragments" of stained glass. This eagle looks well feathered and bold. @chartresfi.bsky.social @iangrebe.bsky.social @simonknott.bsky.social

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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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Reposted by CathyLoweBerkshire

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

It was a tremendous gathering of committed church crawlers! Here is @chartresfi.bsky.social speedily making her way into St Peter's church, on the north side of the city. #AdoorableThursday I like the way the colours tone so harmoniously. @portaspeciosa.bsky.social @horatioforever.bsky.social

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

The theme of C20th stained glass seemed to run through the experience, like the notional water in the deep but dry gutters in Trumpington Street. Stand-out glass seen in the Wisdom window by Tom Denny in St Catherine's College, left; & the apse windows in Downing College by Leonard Evetts, right.

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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

#FerrousFriday A little further west along the Bath Road, the extravagent lamps decorating the Gill Campbell Memorial Hall, 1895, were quite eye-popping.

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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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Reposted by CathyLoweBerkshire

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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