Heavenly Light
It’s many years since I last visited the Roman Catholic cathedral in Liverpool.
The surroundings outside the church have become far more salubrious and I am not sure I remember all those steps at what I call the front.
However I gather the roof has now stopped leaking and now I can see more clearly the relief panels portraying the evangelists (interestingly made of fibreglass).
What I hadn’t realised was that the large wedge-shaped structure over the entrance acts as a bell tower and had I been more observant, I would have noticed the four bells which may be rung. (Ah you missed it too eh!)
What I did remember was the quality of the light inside the building. Sadly we were there on a gloomy Autumn Day but even so the effect of the coloured glass was magical.
Most of that light comes through the 16-sided lantern known as the crown of glass.
Each of the panels in this crown is subdivided into 9 or 12 units of stained glass. I guessed that some of the work here was created by John Piper but another artist Patrick Reyntiens, who I did not know, was also involved.
This time I didn’t visit the crypt designed by Edwin Lutyens – Partly because there wasn’t time and I think it was closed because it was being got ready for a function. It is, of course massive and was built in anticipation of the cathedral being much more grand! (for “grand” read ostentatious). I gather the plans for it were ditched immediately after World War 2 when such a structure might have been an affront to the terrible suffering and devastation which was being endured in the city as a result of Nazi bombing.
What replaced the intended building was a highly inventive and daring structure only about 85 meters high which uses a mixture of natural and artificial light to create a stunning spectacle. Forget about sitting the congregation in neat rows, allow them so look inwards to the point where the drama of the mass happens.
No service during my visit – but the impact of the main worship area is undeniable.
More from Liverpool another time.