TOUCHSTONES

February, 2006

TOUCHSTONES

Glasgow Cathedral is one of two Scottish cathedrals that survived the 1560's reformation rampages, which destroyed most of Scotland's cathedrals, abbeys and parish churches. The organized tradesmen and ordinary citizens of Glasgow defended it. After the reformation it was divided so that it served three different congregations. It is a beautiful example of pre-Reformation Gothic architecture.

The cathedral sits on the site of a much earlier church founded by St. Kentigern about AD 590. Over the centuries the small church grew, was rebuilt and additions were made. In 1451 the pope declared that a pilgrimage to Glasgow cathedral was equal to a visit to Rome. This brought pilgrims and their money into the cathedral precinct. During the last years of the 15th century Robert Blackadder was bishop and later arch bishop of Glasgow. He was devoted to St. Kentigern, and built Blackadder Nave or (also called "Aisle") on the foundations of the original church.

The ground on which Glasgow cathedral sits slopes west to east. This allows for several unusual features. Under the choir area of the cathedral sits a lower church with a beautifully vaulted ceiling. In this lower church sits the grave of St. Kentigern. The eastern nave is much lower than the main floor of the sanctuary. To enter you walk down a broad set of steps leading down into Blackadder nave. This small chapel is four bays deep with a central row of columns supporting the vaulted roof. Tradition has it that this area be painted white. When you enter you are immediately struck by the brightness and light filling this subterranean chamber.

When I first descended into the area I was struck with how different an image I would be making from my usual style. First, it was rare for me to be at eye level with such beautifully carved arches and vaulted ceiling. Secondly, this would be a very high key image. Looking at it from the side I realized that if I tried to capture the entire area in a frame the simple elegance would be lost. Standing near the top step, out of tourists' way, I set up my tripod. The 300mm Nikkor lens, which is the "normal" lens for the 5x12, framed the image that I wanted. It is a simple image that expresses the feeling of light that I felt in this beautiful cathedral.