Friday, March 4, 2011

The Lancet Arch and Cosmati Floor

The new official Royal Wedding blog posted a wonderful slide show with images of Westminster Abbey including a detail of the vaulted ceiling in the nave - definitely worth a look.


The pointed, or lancet, arch - taller rather than wide - is characteristic of Gothic style architecture, which flourished during the high and late medieval period in Europe, from the 12th to the 16th centuries. Of course, an entire blog could be devoted to the subject.  I note it here, simply because the nave ceiling (above) at Westminster is a particularly beautiful and interesting.


Westminster Abbey seemed a surprising choice for to some but I think there could be no more appropriate venue, one that can be described, in contradictory terms, as a very magnificent parish church. Founded in 960, Westminster has an amazing history including 38 coronations beginning in 1066 with William the Conquerer (b.1028, r. 1066-87). 


The present building dates to the 13th century and has a fascinating architectural history as well as links to  British Royalty as far back as Anglo-Saxon King Edgar (b.942, r.959-975).


Of course, any building as old and with as rich a history as Westminster is loaded with treasures and generously rewards the curious eye. Take, for example, the Cosmati pavement on the floor of the high altar where Will and Kate will repeat their wedding vows. The inlaid floor was crafted by Italian craftsmen (the Cosmati was a multi-generational family of artisans) skilled in a type of  mosaic called opus sectile, that uses precisely cut pieces of stone - or, in the case of Westminster, marble, glass, gemstones, and brass - to create larger pictures or patterns. 

Detail of the Cosmati Pavement at Westminster

"When this floor was new it would have blazed with colour," Vanessa Simeoni, the abbey's head of conservation said. "The materials were chosen for their brilliance and shine, and the quality of the craftsmanship is actually shocking, the ultimate that could be achieved."

Having recently undergone extensive cleaning and restoration by conservators, Westminster's Cosmati pavement, originally laid in1268, will be ready for William and Catherine and all those to follow.



Conservator Dr Marina Sokhan uses a laser to clean dirt from the Cosmati Pavement in Westminster Abbey on July 16, 2009 in London, England. Centuries of dirt and grime are being painstakingly removed from this work of medieval craftsmanship during a 650,000 GBP conservation project - now more than half way through it's two year run. The 56 sq/m intricate mosaic floor lies in front of the High Altar. Long hidden under rolls of carpet, it is made from small inlaid pieces of semi-precious stone, marble, glass and metal set in squares and circles some of which is thought to have been recycled from the ruins of ancient Rome. Commissioned by Henry III to be a centrepiece of the re-built 13th century Abbey.

Conservators examine the Cosmati Pavement in Westminster Abbey on July 16, 2009 in London. Centuries of dirt and grime are being painstakingly removed from this work of medieval craftsmanship during a 650,000 GBP conservation project - now more than half way through it's two year run. The 56 sq/m intricate mosaic floor lies in front of the High Altar. Long hidden under rolls of carpet, it is made from small inlaid pieces of semi-precious stone, marble, glass and metal set in squares and circles some of which is thought to have been recycled from the ruins of ancient Rome. Commissioned by Henry III to be a centrepiece of the re-built 13th century Abbey.


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1 comment:

  1. UnknownMarch 6, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    hello Kim just found you !! and how happy am I ! you cover all my favourite things Just back from 2 weeks in London I lived in Sloane square for a hundrred years just by the palace so now I can have a London fix 11 THE FLOOR IS superbe ISNT IT so looking forwrad to yiur posts Ive subscibed and followed hope to see you Fay xx

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