Lutyens' Cathedral

The model of Lutyens' RC Cathedral design for Liverpool is finally restored and going on display at the Walker Art Gallery. The Guardian have included an article about it today in the G2.

I was going to post about it, but Andrew Cusack has beaten me to it. While his post is good, I don't agree with what he and some of his other readers have to say about Gibberd's design.

Gibberd's cathedral has to be seen from the inside. I suggest Andrew Cusack's readers (and the rest of you) start here.

I think that the Lutyens' design would have been completely out of scale with the city and probably outgrown by the modern liturgy. Adrian Gilbert Scott's pared down version would not have done justice to the original scheme and, I think, suffered the same liturgy related issues. I suggest there would be problems with an older style building and the modern liturgy because of the vast numbers of churches having their interiors reordered these days - I've worked for a practice where that was our bread and butter. Gibberd's in-the-round design allows for a more modern approach to the acts of worship. Many Anglican and Catholic congregations are seeking this approach rather than the 'old fashioned' sanctuary and high altar at the far end of the church. I think this is a Good Thing - more inclusive worship.

I hope to get down to Liverpool to see the model at some point before April, however it is rather far away these days. Perhaps I'll have to wait until it is installed in 3XN's Museum of Liverpool in 2010...

Sarah skiing home

Sarah skiing home
Originally uploaded by Don Sean.

It did snow.

So, last night - late last night - we went skiing in the field at the back of our house!

Windy weather

As I've been commenting on other people's blogs, it's really not been windy up here. We've missed out on all the gale force and hurricane type fun. In fact, for January, the weather's been fairly nice....

I just wish it would snow. My skis are still new and shiny and untouched. And I need the practice before Ski Alpine in March.

Pass Plus

I finished off the last two hours of my Pass Plus last night. It isn't tested as such, but the instructor has to mark on a form whether you've Achieved or Exceeded the required standard. I got all As - but he did say that they're told to mark harshly...

Driving

Today I will be doing a Pass Plus course. However, Sunday night's drive home almost did away with the need for it. I drove from Southport to Gretna, up the M6 in the pouring rain. A big achievement for me!

So, we will see how well today goes. I wonder how many bad habits I've picked up in the last couple of months...