Well, if this isn't one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen...
This stone isn't finished yet, but it felt particularly important to see it as it was being carved.
Urdu, the language of my grandfather, memorialised in Scottish sandstone. And somehow, within the words, within the stone his presence and his experiences memorialised too.
I love the intricately sculpted garlands of fruit which can be found on some of Glasgow's older buildings. In this case, it's beside the entrance to an Edwardian Baroque warehouse on Bell Street which was designed by Thomson and Sandilands, and was built in 1904.
I came across this beautiful and ornate building number on 16 Colquhoun Street in Helensburgh today. I particularly like the Disgorging Green Man at the bottom, a very appropriate symbol to come across as we move towards Spring.
Today is the feast of St John the Apostle, seen here with eagle and palm in the silver seal matrix of #ClareCollege (the half-figure is 8mm high), & in the sumptuous Breviary of Marie de St Pol, best friend of the #LadyOfClare. 🧵 1/3
Until this year, the only published photo was so fuzzy that there were debates as to whether there was a bird, and interpretation of the palm. Even with the RTI image, discussion continues. Falconer friends think this most resembles a #GoldenEagle, scaled to speak comfortably to St John, while… standing on his fist? as raptors usually do… or on his open palm? as a trusted messenger of God? 🧵 2/3 #StJohn#theology#interpretation#StoneCarving#illustration
For #FediBookFair, two books about the #LadyOfClare: her roller-coaster biography, & the many stories perpetuated in the tiny silver seal that she gave to #ClareCollege in 1359.
Sculpted plant capital on a column by the door of Queen's Park Govanhill Parish Church in Glasgow. I love how, in places, you can see through the surface discolouration to the natural redness of sandstone underneath.
Today's animal from Glasgow's architecture is this slightly grumpy-looking dolphinfish above the door of the Former Northern Assurance Building at 90 Saint Vincent Street.