Andrew Ziminski, a dedicated stonemason and conservator, dives into the fascinating world of medieval churches. He unveils the original splendor of these structures, sharing quirky features like gargoyles and piscinas that once served deep spiritual purposes. Ziminski discusses the Reformation's dramatic transformation of these buildings, revealing the contrast between their ornate past and current starkness. He also connects modern craftsmanship with ancient practices, demonstrating the enduring legacy of medieval masonry.
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Piscina Peculiarities
Every medieval church had a piscina, a basin for washing sacramental vessels.
People would put odd items in the drain holes, possibly to ward off evil.
insights INSIGHT
Church Formula
Pre-Reformation churches followed a formula, including an east-facing altar, chancel, and nave.
Furnishings like the piscina, credence shelf, and sedalia supported rituals.
insights INSIGHT
Reformation Impact
The Reformation drastically altered churches, destroying art and sculptures deemed idolatrous.
Churches were once vibrant with color, but the Reformation led to whitewashing and a sparser aesthetic.
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A Stonemason's Guide to the Churches of the British Isles
Andrew Ziminski
In this book, Andrew Ziminski offers a detailed and engaging guide to the churches of the British Isles. Organized around the different parts of a church, from the churchyard to the interior, Ziminski shares his expertise gained from decades of working on these historic buildings. The book includes examples from his own projects, such as replacing stolen lead, rehanging bells, and preserving stained-glass windows and wall-paintings. Ziminski's writing is both informative and lyrical, providing a rich understanding of the architectural, historical, and cultural significance of these churches.
Churches were central to life in the Middle Ages. But with the Reformation wreaking havoc on religious buildings, nowadays it's hard to get a sense of what a medieval church would actually have looked like. As a stonemason and conservator, Andrew Ziminski has spent his working life restoring medieval churches, and he is the author of a new book, Church Going, all about the ins and outs of these historic religious buildings. Andrew speaks to David Musgrove about how churches originally looked and worked – and explains some of their oddities.
(Ad) Andrew Ziminski is the author of Church Going: A Stonemason's Guide to the Churches of the British Isles (Profile Books, 2024). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fchurch-going%2Fandrew-ziminski%2F9781800818682.
Hear more from Andrew Ziminski, as he talks about some of Britain’s most impressive stone buildings and monuments: https://link.chtbl.com/vxYSMNqA.
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