alan frost photography

A quote by St. Francis of Assisi reminded me of Wells Cathedral.

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“He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”
― St. Francis of Assisi

Scissor Arches

The Scissor Arches

I came across this quote recently and I couldn’t help but think of some of the truly magnificent cathedral buildings in this country. One in particular came to mind; – Wells Cathedral in Somerset, arguably one of the most beautiful in England and without question a favourite of mine.

Looking down the nave and up towards the Scissor Arches, one can only marvel at the work of the labourer, the craftsman and the artist. The use of hands, heads and hearts are all very evident.

For the historians, the site of Wells Cathedral can be traced back to 705, although construction on the present cathedral began in around 1175. The scissor arches were added in 1338-48 and they resolved a real problem. As well as being quite beautiful they stopped the complete collapse of a tall tower which had been built in 1313 on weak foundations.

Photographically speaking the great Henri Cartier-Bresson said –

‘It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head’.

Remarkably similar to the quote by St Francis of Assisi don’t you think?

 

 

10 Responses to “A quote by St. Francis of Assisi reminded me of Wells Cathedral.”

  1. LensScaper

    I knew the Cartier-Bresson quote but not the earlier one from St Francis. A superb image, Alan, showing off this extraordinary Nave and The Scissor Arches. I share your love of Cathedrals and I never cease to be in awe of what was achieved all those centuries ago.

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    • alan frost

      Thanks Bunty. I do want to return to Wells. This shot was taken a couple of years ago before I went full frame, and I know there are many more images to be taken at this glorious cathedral.

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