Given for the St. Cuthbert’s Society at Durham University on February 15, 2024
Overview: Emma Wells delves into the triumphs and tragedies of the people who built and used Europe’s Gothic cathedrals. She explores the history of these magnificent structures, from Canterbury to Salisbury and from York to Florence, and how they have enriched our culture, art, and architecture. She discusses the symbolism and meaning behind every element of a medieval cathedral, from its shape and layout to the proportions and dazzling displays of colour and glass.
She also explains the engineering revolution that allowed for the soaring verticality and expansive stained glass windows, and the limitations of the medieval ecclesiastical masons and architects. She aims to disrupt the imagination of the cathedral today with a much greater understanding of those who built it and give a voice to the tales of cathedral builders of the past.
Cuth's 19th Annual Fellows' lecture was held last night. Dr Emma Wells spoke on "Heaven on Earth , the lives and legacies of the world's greatest Cathedrals". Many thanks to Dr Bob Banks for organising an enlightening evening pic.twitter.com/nDik3qw65z
Heaven on Earth: How to Build a Cathedral
Lecture by Emma Wells
Given for the St. Cuthbert’s Society at Durham University on February 15, 2024
Overview: Emma Wells delves into the triumphs and tragedies of the people who built and used Europe’s Gothic cathedrals. She explores the history of these magnificent structures, from Canterbury to Salisbury and from York to Florence, and how they have enriched our culture, art, and architecture. She discusses the symbolism and meaning behind every element of a medieval cathedral, from its shape and layout to the proportions and dazzling displays of colour and glass.
She also explains the engineering revolution that allowed for the soaring verticality and expansive stained glass windows, and the limitations of the medieval ecclesiastical masons and architects. She aims to disrupt the imagination of the cathedral today with a much greater understanding of those who built it and give a voice to the tales of cathedral builders of the past.
Emma J. Wells is an English church historian and broadcaster, specializing in the ecclesiastical and architectural history of the late medieval and early modern age. He latest book is Heaven on Earth: The Lives and Legacies of the World’s Greatest Cathedrals. You can follow Emma on her website, X/Twitter or Instagram.
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