We take a look at the ancient art of sgraffito, how it was revived in the Victorian era, and how it decorates one of our churches in Wales.
The Beauty of Brick
A whistle-stop tour of the process of making the humble, beautiful brick.
In time, on time, out of time
Keeping time, saving time, losing time. On time, in time. The hand of the clock guides us from dawn to dusk and back round again. The ticking heart of our …
Turpentine, ink and glass
In this blog our Director shares with us an intriguing part of Caldecote church: the glass transfer window.
Glass transfer painting was popular with 18th-century ladies of the aristocracy, but finding it in a window is more unusual.
The Universe in your Hand
Rachel takes a brief trip around the universe – via Kent – with a little help from Carl Sagan… and the Doctor.
What’s in a name?
Rachel Morley explores the meaning behind place-names. She considers their importance not only in terms of language, but also landscape, history and culture.
Something superstitious
Hagstones are stones that have naturally occurring holes through the centre. They have been used in magic and medicine across the world for centuries. But why do they feature so heavily on the dark, north side of a little Wiltshire church?
Wholesome vernacular
In Rachel’s third blog she explores medieval Mundon St Mary, set in the dramatic and desolate landscape of the Essex saltmarshes. This article first appeared in December 2018 issue of …
The Thin Place
In celebration of Church Tourism Week on the theme of ‘storytelling’, our Director Rachel Morley explores the concept of the ‘thin place’.
In Defence of Beauty
Rachel Morley explores how historic churches should be better valued for their longevity, centrality to place-making, craftsmanship and beauty in their own right.