Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON
This image was shot a few weeks before I started this weekly series devoted simply to doors from around the world. The metalwork on the wooden door caught my eye before Christmas and since all of you have probably guessed it is a church door, let me assure you that you’re correct in that assumption.
It is the side entrance to St Paul’s Cathedral here in central Melbourne and while the church has side entrances leading into the central courtyard, this is on Swanston Street, just past the Flinders Street intersection.
Given the fascinating history of this Anglican cathedral, the metal would date back to the nineteenth century. Today’s beautiful building, with its stunning spires, stands on the very spot where Dr Alexander Thomson conducted the new colony’s first open-air services in 1836. This area then became a market until the site was consecrated in 1852.
Its location is deliberate, placing the beautiful place of worship at one of the city’s foremost intersections, literally opposite the main entrance and hall of Flinders Street Station.
I’m guessing the metal design on this door probably dates back to the late 1880s. Just one (or maybe two) sets of hands created this piece of art, but thousands more have touched them in the generations since.
For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.
Gorgeous doors, David! And this would be where I would worship in that fair city. The craftsmanship of the Victorian carpenters is always a treat. I love what they did in St. Augustine as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...
Sheila :-)
Beautiful doors. They look so reverent.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't have believed there'd be so many doors to choose from, but of course the World's your oyster with photography.
Brilliant series.
I have such a door fetish...
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely outstanding door. VERY PRETTY! I love your pictures.
ReplyDeleteoh i really do love both the curling design and the black on red. just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIncredible! Thanks for sharing the photos and the story.
ReplyDeleteLovely doors, and very interesting history!
ReplyDeleteI love medieval-style workmanship. Beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteAfter last week I figured I'd play along with this one. Doors are fascinating on many levels... architecturally they're probably one of the most important design decisions to be made. But once the building is up, the fascination is really about what lies on the other side.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of my entry, it's far more prosaic -- and secular. But I (obviously) thought it was striking.
Lets' see what you think...
(I wonder if it's significant that my word verification is "piked"?)
what lovely doors. and what a brilliant idea for a series! :)
ReplyDeleteVery cool design
ReplyDeleteAh yes, you know I love doors having posted on my paintings some time ago. This is a particularly lovely one and love the thought of all the hands that have touched it.
ReplyDeleteThey're stunning doors David, especially in that contrasting colour to the stonework.
ReplyDeleteWa gorgeous door... Loved it
ReplyDelete(((HUGS)))
Donna
I think these doors are my favorite in the series so far!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo.
Craig
Love the doors! The color is surprising to me for church doors. doorways are good meditations..especially if they are open!
ReplyDeleteIt is stunning. I am so glad you told us a bit about it, because instantly I wondered about the age of such gorgeous doors. What a lovely shot.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested to see the intersection you mentioned.
The doors are lovely and they are well photographed. Doors are one of the architectural features I like best about buildings.
ReplyDeleteWhat an exquisite door, beautiful, I love the red and the pointed arch. Thanks for the history on this beautiful church!
ReplyDeleteI love history so much. There are some very old buildings in L.A. believe it or not (not nearly as old as in Melbourne) but old for CA. I can just smell the history. It's amazing
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful...
ReplyDeleteI do love your doors..I love windows too..what is it do you think, who knows psycho-babble, must have some deep dark/light meaning..light l hope!!
ReplyDeleteIt's like brocade embroidery.
ReplyDeleteHallo Mr.David..i feeling lucky found you. I know ur busy to respond me becouse my speak english not to much good. Or mybe i'm not to much important. But its still feel lucky to follow you here.
ReplyDeleteregards,
faryana
Doors are fast becoming my favorite part of your generous work here. Windows and doors mean so much to people, because if they own them, it means they have a home. So many today have no windows, no doors, no rooftop to protect them that the simple image of a door can be breathtaking or heartbreaking. I love these doors. All ye enter in...lovely work...both the craftsman who created the doors and the photographer who captured them for us.
ReplyDeleteSandi
Those doors make me want to go inside.
ReplyDeleteV interesting, impressive door!
ReplyDeleteUsually, on cathedrals and older churches etc. the detail is in the carved stone of the archway, the door being made just as thick and safe as possible and therefore quite chunky and plain (villagers would run to the church for safety in any attack as it was usually the only stone building; a solid door was essential to keep people in rather than out!!).
Here they have clearly compensated for the plainness of the stonemason's tastes!
It's lovely. The cropped shot would be great on a postcard.
Looks like there is a Spanish influence in those doors.
ReplyDeleteIn December, Hubby and visited his parents in England and walked through quite a few churches. The architecture...the beauty...the serenity. Doesn't seem like the human race was that advanced way back when...but the doors don't lie!
ReplyDeleteI remember those doors from my trip to Melbourne last year.
ReplyDeleteExcellent write and exquisite doors.
ReplyDeleteThe doorway as a whole is incredible. What beauty. Old churches are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI will certainly try. Otherwise I will have to make rich friends and mooch off of them. By the way, I think I may have to take a trip to Melbourne just to see those doors. Absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThat is one beautiful door.
ReplyDeleteWow very nice photo of the doors, so much work in it. Anna :)
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by doors, David. These doors look regally spiritual. I bet many angels have passed through them.
ReplyDeleteThe place is very nice
ReplyDeleteI love these doors, they're so beautifully photographed. These posts of yours have me on the lookout for interesting doors.
ReplyDeleteStunning!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! That door would have caught my eye as well.
ReplyDeleteThese are so gorgeous! I'm wondering if I can replicate them somehow, without spending a huge amount of money, of course. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think it's gorgeous,
ReplyDeleteit's a beautiful art
I like a photos of chatolic church
I have a several collection in my country Indonesia
can you give me a suggestion
where I can find another photo
about the building of a church
around the world
The intricacy of the metal work on this door is amazing... so delicate...
ReplyDelete