Chelsea in the olden & present times / by George Bryan.

  • Bryan, George
Date:
1869
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Chelsea in the olden & present times / by George Bryan. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    central being the width of two of the others; they are covered by ogee arches, with cinque foil sweeps in each, the centre one having a canopy of the same sort, but more highly enriched with a greater number of sweeps. From the canopies rises a series of upright divisions, with trefoil heads; and above is an entablature ; the frieze of foliage in alto relievo; the cornice of various mouldings, and the whole is fronted by seven demi angels, in ancient costume, crowned; one hand of each is placed on the breast, the other held up in the attitude of benediction. The screen is flanked on each side by a magni- ficent composition of niche work, ranging above two small doorways leading to the vestry, the arches of which are obtuse, and the architraves entirely formed of mouldings. Above the point of the arch of each door case is an hexagonal canopy, highly enriched, and supporting the pedestal of a large and similarly formed niche above it, crowned with a like canopy, which rises above the rest of the screen, and occupies a portion of the wall on each side of the window. The pierced stone- work, elegant buttresses, and minute pinnacles of this elegant composition, form an assemblage of architectural ornament which would not disgrace any age in which the pointed style prevailed; the scale of grandeur in which they are executed, and the general tastefulness that marks the design, together with the correct style of the elaborate details, would do honour to a cathedral. The centre division of the church is roofed with stone from east to west. The style of vaulting is, however, full two centuries earlier than the building : the nave of Westminster Abbey seems to have been the prototype. That part of the roof immediately above the altar is groined in a different manner, the surface of the cove being filled widi long panels separated by arched ribs, springing from corbels, and crossing the church from side to side; the same is repeated above the organ j the corbels are all sculptured with figures of angels, which at the altar are represented in the act of prayer, and over the organ appear to be chanting the hymn of praise ; though these portions are well executed, the conceit of varying the design is too novel to be admired. From the groined roof depend three elegant brass chandeliers, suspended on gilt chains. The pulpit of wainscot is octangular, and stands on a frame^ work of pointed arches j it is not wanting in ornament, but; U