Bathed in light

One of the really great things about my job is that you get to visit places off the beaten track and meet some fascinating people who you would otherwise only pass in the street without a second glance. 

Last Friday was a beautiful day, warm early spring sunshine, a gin clear sky; one of those days you are glad to be alive. Walking through the graveyard of StMary's church Limpley Stoke was absolutely serene. A stunning English vista over the Cotswolds towards Bradford-on-Avon, buzzards riding invisible thermals and the song of a lark drifting timelessly on the merest zephyr of a breeze. 

The beautiful little church has stood on this spot for over a thousand years and sits so perfectly into the landscape that it appears organic with it. You enter the Saxon Nave through a uniquely wonky 13 century porch in the north wall. As the heavy, original oak door slowly creeks open, the visitor enters and descends some ancient and well worn stone steps to witness the most breath taking sight; this stunning ancient building is bathed in the most glorious light. Pinks, yellows, blues and a myriad of shades in between, and all coming from a small single window in the South Aisle. Unlike the very old lead lights and 18/19th century traditional stained glass windows, this small modern piece dominates and draws the eye. With the sun just west of south it casts the most glorious coloured shadows, dancing over the stone flags and radiating softly of the lime washed walls. 

It is a piece by a very well know Bath glass artist, Mark Angus. It is a thoroughly modern window and appears to depict a cloaked figure kneeling; beyond that, it is, in the words of the artist "what you want it to be". You can look for deep meaning, or just enjoy the beauty of it shapes, lines and colour. Like all great works of art, it makes you think and holds your attention, it is as organic to the church as the church is to the landscape. 

We can but dream.