This is the first of three posts about the Anglican church York Minster Cathedral, York, England. A starburst and stained glass windows adorn the ceiling of Chapter House at York Minster. The Chapter House, built in the decorated Gothic style and octagonal in shape, was begun in 1260 and completed in 1286. Its walls contain some of the Minster's finest carvings, dating between 1270-80.
Decorative tile pattern on the floor in Chapter House.
A starburst design at the top of the pulpit in York Minster Cathedral.
Crowned heads in marble sculptural panels at York.
An angel bearing a shield overlooks a choir loft.
A crucifixion scene trimmed with gold gilt.
Carved oak panels in the choir room. The woodwork in the choir was replaced following a fire in 1829.
Prayer candles and decorative iron fretwork next to a private chapel.
Painted iron grills mark boundaries in an area of the nave.
An altar and hanging tapestry.
Decorative Florentine paint detail with gold leaf at York Minster.
A heavy wooden door with swirled silver and iron trim.
Thanks for the gorgeous photos - we only had an hour or so in York, and decided not to pay the high admission charge for the Minster as it didn't seem to be justified when we could only stay a few minutes.
Maybe one day we'll get back to the UK, though I'm not holding my breath..
Posted by: Catherine | 18 November 2007 at 11:44
Exquisite photos!! xx, JP/deb
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 18 November 2007 at 01:26
Thank you for sharing the York Cathedral!
The craftsmanship is at such a higher level with attention to artistic detail, than buildings these days. I'm lost in the past!
Hope you are having fun with the family!!
Posted by: rochambeau | 17 November 2007 at 23:51
Breathtaking!! We forget, until we are inside one, how artistic Churches are...not just in the inner design but in the architecture.
Posted by: Cherie | 17 November 2007 at 18:46
I too love the floor tiles! They've inspired me to use the motif for a redwork embroidery panel. Marvelous.
Posted by: Kimberly Ann | 17 November 2007 at 17:41
Amazing photogrpahs, I really like the circular pattern of the wooden door. Nice, I'll look forward to the next 2.
Thanks Tara!
Posted by: robyn | 17 November 2007 at 16:16
I'm stuck (in a good way) on the Chapter House tiles - the brilliantly-colored tiles themselves as well as the gorgeous floor pattern. I'd love to see a pulled-back shot of the whole floor. And the spiral pattern in that last photo is enchanting.
Posted by: diana | 17 November 2007 at 15:47
I'm sure pictures don't do the cathedral justice. I wonder what it's like to be inside. Thank you for this little peek.
Posted by: bella | 17 November 2007 at 15:00
What amazing art work. I do wonder what people from other world religions think when they visit Catholic and other Christian places of worship. What do Buddhists and Muslims think of these (almost?) ostentatious cathedrals and churches? The pulpit, the tilework, the ironwork--wow!
Posted by: RD | 17 November 2007 at 14:48
:O i'm in awe here! the marvelous floor tiles, the decorative paiting work (inspiring motifs for my hand painted linens), the craftmanship of the iron and wood...
impressive rich images tara!!
Posted by: marita | 17 November 2007 at 13:38