Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON
It was just one of those days when I had time on my hands, enough time to soak up the atmosphere, enough time to wander and enough time to look for some images that define steadfast faith.
Religious symbols always beckon when the human mind seeks symbols of constant reassurance, and I just happened to be passing St Paul’s Cathedral. So instead of going to the main entrance on Flinders Street, I walked around to the side.
Here, on the heavy wooden doors that embody the Victorian-era architecture, I found these heavy handles that fascinated me. Of course, a heavy door needs a sizeable handle, so it makes perfect sense that handles of this size would be required to haul open a substantially-sized door.
But I often wonder if the craftsmen who designed and produced these handles ever thought that they would still be in everyday use in the 21st century.
For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.
28 comments:
Wonderful old door handles. I wonder how many people have touched them. Now how many people they will touch thanks to this post.
Wow, David. You truly amaze me. What an inspirational post. Thank you! Have FAITH!
As lovely as the door handles are, I wonder about why one door was so much more worn than the other. Do people usually open doors with their left hands?
Great shot.
Oh I too love the door handles and shots of the doors...very inviting for sure.
I love old doors. We have many old things like that in England.
I had the same thought Joanna did. Then it occurred to me that since the wear/discoloration extends well above and below the handle, I'd think those marks would more likely have been left by people opening the door from the inside. From that side of the entryway the door would be (wait for it) on the right.
An impressive entrance in any event. And I doubt the artisans who built it gave very much thought to the 21st Century at all. But if they had thought about it, I'm sure they'd have been certain their work would still be in evidence.
Beautiful hardware. I believe craftsmen had a long view of their work; they created work to resemble work they saw around them that had survived generations. You and I live in relative "new" lands; in Italy, where I come from, there are artifacts going back thousands of years.
The craftsman who fashioned the doors perhaps perhaps did not envision them in use in the 21st century, but did no doubt make them to last a very long time.
They are amazing! Stories is what I hear...
Sherry
Beautifully crafted - both the door handles and the photo. :D
or the men who cut down the tree, did they know that a big heavy door would be made, to swing open and be admired by all who pass? To be adorned with big brass handles of which to make it easier? Lovely picture, by the way!
Very observant, and ponderous. I love the subheading - so true.
I like to think that the Architects of these wonderously sculpted doors thought they'd be the entry to eternity and therefore around forever...what beautiful doors...
Sandi
Gorgeous words and photo! You know - I do believe that craftsmen built things way back then in order to last... and last they have!
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Rev. 3:20 NIV
Beautiful doors.
If you only believe, ALL THINGS are possible!
Love this post
Strength and endurance.
Nicely done, David! I think the craftsmen of years ago, expected there work to be permanent, especially churches. Time and things had more meaning then than they do today in our rushed, throw away society.
Along with everyone else, I think those craftsmen made the doors, the hardware, the entire building to last through eternity...no planned obsolescence for them!
Ah, the craftsmanship that lasts beyond a lifetime! Beautiful!
I think it's possible that craftsmen and artists who build cathedrals have a greater sense than most of how long their work will be around. It took me a minute to realize that you were talking about a St. Paul's in Australia (?) and not London! (I'm new here, and from a place where it is summer :) The Victorian era mention was the giveaway.
Yesterday I was watching a movie with my little girls "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" and when they fell asleep I kept watching it.
"You must rise to the occasion of your life."
And now this post about doors. And faith.... hmmmmmmm.....
Such timeless character in those handles!
oooo i'd like me some of those, they are beautiful!
Nice photo of the cathedral's door. Have you seen was was inside?
Aw, the days when craftsmen lived up to their title and produced beauty on a daily basis. Lovely handles, David, lovely.
Lovely handles, though I'm itching to get some Brasso out and polish them back to their proper glory!
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