Chichester & Winchester

Recent PhotoWalks in two historic cities, both sharing similar qualities with old buildings, a Cathedral, grand council offices, some 1960’s and 70’s intrusions and both having crosses as meeting places. I think that Winchester has a slight edge over Chichester but both are good places to visit.

In most towns it’s the Bank buildings that stand out in the High Streets and this is true in both these cities, right up to 1960 banks were proud to present an imposing frontage usually using columns to convey a classical face, or as in one Chichester bank a Gothic one. A previous Blog of mine covers the theme of Banks and columns.

Neither PhotoWalk ventured into the Cathedrals due to photography permit limitations but both are well worth a visit without a camera.

This is the entrance doorway to the Council Offices in Chichester. Doorway and bronze doors to County Hall, 1936 by C.G. Stillman, in neo-Georgian style.

Coventry

A return visit to Coventry to see what has happened in the last five years or so since I was there last. 

Firstly the Cathedral for an organ recital, a great organ in an inspiring setting. Then to The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum which has opened an interesting new extension which was being built when I looked in last time.

A few photos of an unusual 1976 Ferroconcrete cross, a replacement for a Tudor cross which once stood nearby. A walk around the town centre showed some improvements especially the removal of traffic around the square that has the statue of Lady Godiva. The square has two imposing bank buildings facing it, both are not listed (they should be) and probably post war, but still using Portland stone and columns to impose an image of security and permanence.

I quite like Coventry, both the reconstructions after the war and its surviving old bits, also the faux medieval buildings such as Wetherspoons The Flying Standard. Don’t pass Coventry by if you have the chance to visit.

M. Sleigh. Polypodphoto