A Photowalk on the Campus of Princeton University

I had the pleasure of joining a photowalk 

on the campus of Princeton University. 

Our guide was Roy Matesuk (aka @paledrunkmonk on instagram)

who has been photographing the campus for many years. 

The campus has so many beautiful aspects 

even in the middle of winter.  

There are breathtaking views everywhere - 

like this dome of the Chancellor Green Building. 

I love the old architecture.

So most of my photos are of the old 

and there is plenty of old. 

I just love these old desks, 

although they don't look very comfortable.  

I like that they keep them. 

Here is a modern take on a spiral staircase. 

It's pretty cool, 

but I like the old symmetrical style better.

Inside the chapel, 

the stained glass from the opposite side lights up this wall 

and looks magical. 

A reminder that studying is required... 

followed by some partying. 

You can view all my photos of this and previous visits to Princeton University here. 

I will continue to share them to instagram (@susburban.girl) also. 

Princeton University 

is located in Princeton, New Jersey. 

No Arrests Were Made During This Exploration

St. David's Cemetery, Manayunk, PA

Off the beaten path
in the Manayunk neighborhood of
Philadelphia, PA,
there is an Episcopal Church
called St. David's.

The Open Door, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

I happened on
St. David's one day while
exploring the newly opened Manayunk Bridge Trail
with friends.


Moses and the Serpent, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

The door was open
so I peaked inside.
The stained glass within
lured me in further.



At the Cross, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

Step after quiet step
I began exploring
this historic church (1831).

The Sanctuary, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

And then,
someone found me and
I was caught.
Oops.


Beauty from Above, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

Only the person who caught me
was the most welcoming church caretaker.


Empty Pews, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA

He invited us all inside,
offered us snacks,
and explained some of the history of the church.


Organ Tuning Mechanisms, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA 

He even let us explore INSIDE
the pipe organ
where we saw old books and even toys
set in such a manner as to help
with tuning the pipes.


Sing Unto the Lord, St. David's Episcopal Church, Manayunk, PA 

Another day exploring without an arrest
 is a good thing,
because my husband always says
he won't bail me out.
;)


Sadly, the congregation 
is very small. 
Half the pews have been removed since 
the sanctuary was built originally. 
One can only wonder 
how long they will be able to sustain this property financially. 

For more info 
about this church, 
click here. 

       

Illuminations

The light of the sun beams down
seeming to magically illuminate
pictorial stories created with colored glass.


God of Angel Armies
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA

✥
Stained glass began more as a domestic luxury
(dating back to Pompeiian times)
than as the artistic medium it is considered today.


Father, Forgive Them 
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 

✥✥
By the 9th and 10th Centuries
demand for churches increased the demand for stained glass.
and in the 17th century it truly was an accepted art form.


Stained Glass Artisan
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 

✥✥✥
Life for stained glass has been a rough ride.
From its origins and through most of the gothic period
it enjoyed growing popularity.


The Artisan's Tools
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 

✥✥✥✥
However, the 16th Century brought restrictions on religious imagery,
forcing glass artisans to seek secular commissions.
In addition, wars and religious upheavals saw the destruction
of much glasswork in churches and monasteries.

Stained Glass Artisan
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA

✥✥✥✥✥
Amid this destruction,
growing Renaissance styles favored murals, frescoes and enamels.
The methods of this artistry became a lost art
until its revival in the 19th century.
Informational Source


Shades of Grey 
Grisaille Glazing 
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 

Once again, I am left to wonder at a culture 
that deliberately destroyed such beauty.  


Swirls of Grey
Grisaille Glazing 
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 

Sadly, history does repeat itself.

Leaflets 

Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 

At least today, 

we can enjoy a replication of what was lost. 

*****

Click any photo to go to the complete gallery. 

The Party's Here!  (Blog Link Ups)

            

 My blog posts to my facebook page:  

The Poor Man's Bible

Way back in the day,
like when AD became BC
and for many centuries afterward,
light, color and glass were used as a means to depict Biblical scenes for the illiterate masses. 

The Stained Glass Artist and The Apprentice

I have to wonder, now that we are literate,
how much do the masses actually read?
Has the screen taken the place of these stained glass beauties?
Pity. 

The Work of My Hands

And just like I shared about my love of Illuminated Manuscript, 

I adore the traditional rich and vibrant colors used in stained glass windows.

 

Glorious Glass


There is something about the work of traditional artisans
that fascinates me.
They create individual pieces of beauty.



The Test of Time 

Things that are worth standing the test of time.
Things that we should treasure throughout time.



Just like the architectural marvels that house such works,
we submit them to the wrecking ball in the name of progress.
Pity.

Maybe the masses should start reading again.

Glencairn Medieval Festival 
Huntingdon Valley, PA
February 3, 2013

Hello Monday