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These are the renowned Fettiplace monuments, and are fascinating (for me) mainly because of the contrast of styles they offer. As you may be able to discern, on the left side the reclining figures are late Elizabethan in style, and seem to be swooning in melancholy, not sure whether to compose a sonnet or a madrigal to the object of their desire, whilst on the right the figures are from the 1640s to the 1690s and appear more lifelike and baroque, with flowing periwigs and luxurious Restoration court poses. Maybe at the time there were complaints at the enormity of these self-aggrandising monuments in such a tiny and modest church, but the centuries have reduced the glare and made them seem right and fitting, as beautiful and artistic period pieces. Indeed those who lament the Reformation excessively lose sight of some of the magnificent architecture that was produced after the 1530s, of which the monuments of Swinbrook are but one example among many many thousands in England. Having said that, I don't think I can ever forgive the smashing of most of our beautiful medieval stained glass. I apologise, by the way, for the quality of the images, but please bear in mind that the pictures were taken with instant cameras, bought ad hoc on the day. This site is a humble amateur homage to some old English churches. I make no claims to be professional or comprehensive, but I do claim to love them dearly and be open to their spirit, which guide books at times omit. |
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