Some background... St Barnabas Cathedral was built in a time of growing population and increasing numbers of Catholics. It was because of these reasons that the Cathedral became necessary. Before it was built, the Church Of St John The Evangelist was the primary home of Nottingham’s Catholics. Father Robert Willson made the decision to obtain a bigger place of worship for the Catholics of Nottingham and began raising funds for it. An investment was made from Lord Shrewsbury, who brought in the architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (A.W.N Pugin) to work on the Cathedral. The same man was also an important factor in the architecture of The Houses Of Parliament. The Cathedral was opened for use in 1844. It has remained a prominent piece of the city to this day. The Cathedral itself is, in my opinion, a brilliant piece of architecture. But I feel that it’s real beauty lies inside. It is completely different to what the exterior might suggest, with clean lines and smooth surfaces. There is a very light, neutral and calming set of colours present and it feels relaxing. At the same time, as with any religious building, there is a different atmosphere that comes with the purpose of space. You speak quieter, you move slower. Some might say that such a space can be awkward to be in, but I find it peaceful and relaxing. |
Bibliography
http://www.stbarnabascathedral.org.uk - 09/10/2013
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00n58pm - 09/10/2013
http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/architecture/palacestructure/the-architects/ - 09/10/2013
http://www.stbarnabascathedral.org.uk - 09/10/2013
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00n58pm - 09/10/2013
http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/architecture/palacestructure/the-architects/ - 09/10/2013