May 2014 – Michael Stephen Wills Photography

Discovering the Beauty of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral in Cork

Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral features stunning Victorian Gothic artistry, with symbolic ceilings and intricate designs reflecting divine themes and craftsmanship.

January 14, 2025November 17, 2024 MichaelStephenWills12 Comments

As I stood on the floor of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral in Cork, Ireland, I gazed upward toward the Apse and sanctuary ceiling at the eastern end. Turning my eyes directly to the west, I found myself captivated by the crossing ceiling—the very heart where the nave intersects with the transepts, forming the iconic cross shape typical of Gothic cathedral architecture.

In my imagination the central tower and spire soared majestically above the crossing ceiling. The ceiling there featured intricate architectural elements like ribbed vaults and a lantern tower, allowing light to flood into the space below. This crossing served as a beautiful transitional space between the sanctuary and the main body of the cathedral, the nave.

Focusing my camera on the Sanctuary Ceiling of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, I was struck by the stunning example of Victorian Gothic Revival artistry before me. Designed by the architect William Burges, who envisioned every detail of the cathedral, the ceiling reflected his meticulous attention to detail and his love for vibrant colors and symbolic ornamentation.

The rich iconography drew me in. Angels adorned the ceiling, likely representing the celestial hierarchy or the glorification of Christ. Each angel held symbolic items—trumpets, stars, or scrolls—emphasizing their roles as messengers and worshippers of God.

The radiant color scheme was breathtaking. Deep blues, shimmering golds, lush greens, and vivid reds combined to create a striking visual effect, symbolizing heaven and divine majesty. Gold accents caught and reflected the light, reinforcing the idea of heavenly glory.

Geometric and star patterns embellished the vaults. The blue panels dotted with gold stars symbolized the heavens—a common motif in Gothic church ceilings. These stars seemed to represent divine guidance or eternity, adding another layer of meaning to the already rich tapestry above me.

The structural elements themselves were works of art. Painted ribs intersected across the ceiling, highlighting the Gothic architecture’s ribbed vaulting. Their intricate designs in green and red emphasized both structural beauty and functional elegance.

The symbolism was profound. The angels with their instruments and the starry heavens collectively evoked themes of divine worship and the glory of God’s kingdom. This alignment with the Victorian Gothic ideal of infusing spiritual symbolism into architectural elements was evident in every brushstroke.

Knowing that William Burges envisioned Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral as a “Bible in stone,” I felt a deep connection to his purpose. Standing beneath the Sanctuary Ceiling—the focal point above the altar—I sensed how it served to elevate worshippers’ gaze and spirits toward the divine.

Capturing these scenes through my lens, I was documenting a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of the 19th century. Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a place of worship and also a living gallery of history, faith, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Enter your email to receive notification of future postings. I will not sell or share your email address.

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved Michael Stephen Wills

The Architectural Symbolism of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral

The Western Portico of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral illustrates the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing spiritual preparedness and divine judgment.

January 9, 2025November 16, 2024 MichaelStephenWills2 Comments

The towering Western Portico of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral leads into the sacred space of the church while serving as a canvas for a profound narrative of divine judgment and grace. Standing before it, I am drawn into its intricate details, particularly the central set of doors flanked by the ten virgins—five wise and five foolish—embodied in stunning columnar statues. Their story is drawn from the Gospel of Matthew (25:1–13), a parable of spiritual preparedness that echoes throughout the cathedral’s architecture.

The parable tells of ten virgins who go out to meet the bridegroom, each carrying a lamp. The wise virgins take oil with their lamps, while the foolish take none. When the bridegroom is delayed, all ten fall asleep. At midnight, the cry rings out, “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” The virgins awaken and trim their lamps. The foolish ones, realizing their lamps are going out, plead with the wise to share their oil, but the wise refuse, saying, “There may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” While the foolish virgins are away buying oil, the bridegroom arrives, and the wise virgins go with him into the wedding banquet. The door is shut. Later, the foolish virgins return, crying, “Lord, Lord, open the door for us!” But he replies, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” The parable concludes with the warning: “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

On either side of the central door, the virgins stand as sentinels, embodying this story. The wise virgins, to the right of Christ, hold their lamps aloft, flames burning brightly, symbols of readiness and spiritual vigilance. Their faces are serene, reflecting a sense of fulfillment in their preparedness to meet the bridegroom. To the left, the foolish virgins clutch their unlit lamps, their postures and expressions marked by despair and regret. The detail in their sculpting is exquisite—draped garments, forlorn gazes, and, in the case of the leftmost virgin, a subtle gesture of mourning, her hand resting thoughtfully against her cheek as though lamenting her unpreparedness.

Beneath each figure lies a pedestal adorned with imagery that amplifies their symbolic meaning. The wise virgins stand upon a foundation of flourishing life: vines, flowers, and fruits, evoking the vitality and promise of spiritual readiness. In contrast, the pedestals of the foolish virgins are carved with desolation—withered branches, skeletal forms, and motifs of death, stark reminders of the spiritual decay brought by neglect and complacency.

At the heart of the narrative stands Christ, the Bridegroom. His figure, commanding yet compassionate, turns toward the wise virgins, his gesture one of welcome and blessing. The flowing robes and the serene expression of the Christ figure emphasize his dual roles as judge and redeemer. It is a moment of movement captured in stone—Christ leaning into the wise while his back turns on the foolish, a subtle yet striking commentary on divine justice.

Above the door, the tympanum deepens this narrative, depicting the ultimate moment of judgment. Surmounted by three angels announcing the resurrection, their imagery and gold background harking to the Resurrection Angel of the east cathedral side with gold a symbol of purity and divine light; the dead rise from their graves, their fates determined by their spiritual choices. On the right, angels extend their hands to the faithful, pulling them upward toward eternal life. Their forms radiate lightness, their wings creating a sense of ascension and joy. On the left, the scene is markedly darker: angels, stern and unyielding, drive the condemned downward, their bodies twisted in expressions of agony. Flames lick at the edges of the scene, signaling the fires of damnation.

The weight of this imagery is palpable. The parable of the ten virgins, brought to life in stone, underscores the centrality of vigilance and readiness in the Christian faith. The Western Portico is a story carved in stone, a vivid testament to the choices each person must make. Standing before it, I am not merely a viewer but a participant, invited to reflect on my own readiness and my place in this cosmic drama. The intricacy and theological depth of this space leave an indelible impression, a reminder of the eternal truths that the cathedral seeks to communicate through its art.

Enter your email to receive notification of future postings. I will not sell or share your email address.

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved Michael Stephen Wills

What the Resurrection Angel Symbolizes for Cork City

The Resurrection Angel at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral symbolizes hope and vigilance, reminding Cork’s citizens of life’s transience and resilience.

January 7, 2025November 15, 2024 MichaelStephenWills3 Comments

Standing on the east side of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, I lift my gaze to the gilded angel high above the polygonal apse. Known as “The Resurrection Angel,” this radiant figure with its trumpet held aloft commands both awe and contemplation. As an enduring symbol of hope, renewal, and spiritual vigilance this angel carries a profound and dramatic promise: the sound of its trumpet will one day warn the people of Cork of the world’s imminent end, giving them the opportunity to be among the first to ascend to heaven.

The Resurrection Angel’s trumpet echoes the apocalyptic imagery of the Book of Revelation, particularly Revelation 11:15, where the seventh trumpet announces, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord.” Yet in Cork, this celestial figure is imbued with a uniquely local significance. It stands as both guardian and guide, poised to fulfill its divine purpose when the end of days draws near. The legend elevates the angel’s presence beyond theology or art—it becomes a tangible connection between the celestial and the earthly, rooted in the lives of Cork’s citizens.

From an epistemological perspective, the Resurrection Angel poses fascinating questions about how we prepare for the unknown. What does it mean to live in the shadow of an angelic trumpet, one that might sound at any moment? Its silence is a paradox, a quiet yet profound proclamation of life’s transience. The legend suggests that the people of Cork, by virtue of the angel’s warning, are uniquely favored—a notion that intertwines faith with identity and imbues the city with a sense of divine guardianship.

The angel’s golden form shines brightly against the gray stone of the cathedral, a deliberate contrast that speaks to its otherworldly purpose. Gold, a symbol of purity and divine light, captures the eternal amid the temporal. The Resurrection Angel reflects the ambitions of the cathedral’s architect, William Burges, who intended every detail of Saint Fin Barre’s to serve as a testament to faith and artistry. This angel was the final piece installed, marking the cathedral’s completion and fulfilling Burges’ vision of a “perfect work.” According to lore, Burges himself declared that if the angel were ever to fall, it would signal the end of the world—a statement that deepens the mystique surrounding this celestial figure.

For Cork, the angel embodies the city’s resilience and collective spirit. Over centuries, Cork has weathered fires, floods, and rebellion, yet it has always risen anew. The angel, with its legend of warning and redemption, mirrors this cyclical journey of challenge and renewal. Its trumpet, silent but ever-present, reminds the people of Cork to stay vigilant, to hope, and to strive for goodness in the time they have.

As I stand beneath its watchful gaze, I feel the weight of the legend and its implications. If the angel’s trumpet were to sound today, would we be ready? It invites not fear but reflection—a challenge to live with purpose and awareness of the sacred in the everyday. And as I step away, the angel remains, steadfast and golden, a silent guardian over Cork, holding its promise and its warning aloft for generations to come.

Enter your email to receive notification of future postings. I will not sell or share your email address.

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved Michael Stephen Wills

Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral: A Marvel of Victorian Architecture

Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, a Gothic Revival masterpiece by William Burges, symbolizes artistry and faith in Cork, Ireland.

January 2, 2025November 15, 2024 MichaelStephenWills6 Comments

Approaching from the east, we see the polygonal apse at the eastern end houses the high altar and is a key liturgical and architectural feature. Each angular bay is delineated with tall lancet windows filled with stained glass, adding to the richness of the design. Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, stands as a beacon of faith and artistry in the heart of Cork, Ireland. Designed by the renowned Victorian architect William Burges, the cathedral is both a testament to the spiritual fervor of its time and a bold statement of artistic vision.

Commissioned in 1862, the cathedral replaced an earlier structure, marking a new chapter in Cork’s ecclesiastical history. William Burges, known for his theatrical approach to design, was the perfect choice for this ambitious project. His vision for Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral blended medieval inspiration with Victorian ingenuity, creating a building that is as much a work of art as a place of worship.

Burges, a figure of eccentric brilliance, was deeply influenced by the principles of the Gothic Revival movement, which sought to recapture the grandeur of medieval European architecture. Drawing from this aesthetic, he designed the cathedral with meticulous attention to detail. Its three spires dominate the Cork skyline, with the central spire rising to an impressive height of 73 meters. These spires are not merely structural; they are symbolic, reaching heavenward in a gesture of devotion.

The exterior of the cathedral, constructed from Cork limestone and Bath stone, is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. These include depictions of biblical scenes, saints, and gargoyles, all painstakingly crafted under Burges’s watchful eye. Every detail reflects his belief that architecture should educate as well as inspire. Bishop Street, The Lough, Cork City, County Cork, Ireland

Enter your email to receive notification of future postings. I will not sell or share your email address.

An Gorta Mor

The Great Famine had profound social, cultural, and political impacts on Ireland and its relationship with Britain. It led to a significant decline in the Irish population due to death and mass emigration and is remembered as one of the darkest periods in Irish history. The event also left deep scars on the collective memory of the Irish people and played a role in the growth of Irish nationalism and the push for Irish independence in the following decades

April 16, 2021October 28, 2023 MichaelStephenWills12 Comments

“Partial failures, due to disease or the weather, had occurred on numerous occasions prior to 1845. Even in good years, there was always a time of shortage when the previous year’s supply had run out and before the new crop was ready.”

“No particular concern was felt in 1845 when the crop again failed in some areas through the ravages of a new fungus. In 1846 the potato crop failed completely, leaving thousands without food to sustain them, or seed potatoes to plant the following year. 1847 – 1849 saw either total or partial failures of whatever potato crop could be planted.”

“Hunger and desperation forced thousands into the overcrowded workhouses and put enormous pressure on relief schemes which attempted to alleviate the distress. Over three quarters of a million people died during the Famine, mainly from diseases such as cholera. Escape was seen by many as the only change for survival: between 1845 and 1851 over 1.5 million people emigrated from Ireland. This was more than had left the country in the previous half century.”

The Great Famine of Ireland, often referred to as the “Irish Potato Famine,” occurred between 1845 and 1852, with the most acute suffering taking place between 1847 and 1849. The causes of this devastating period in Irish history are multifaceted and debated among historians, but the following are generally acknowledged as the primary factors:

Potato Blight (Phytophthora infestans): The immediate cause of the famine was a potato disease known as late blight. The potato was a staple crop in Ireland, and for many poor Irish, it was the primary source of nutrition. The blight destroyed the potato crop year after year, leading to widespread hunger.

Over-reliance on a Single Variety of Potato: The Irish mainly grew a type of potato called the “Lumper,” which was particularly susceptible to the blight. This lack of genetic diversity made the entire crop more vulnerable to disease.

Land Ownership and Tenancy: Most of the land in Ireland was owned by a small number of landlords, many of whom were absentee, living in England. The Irish Catholic majority often worked as tenant farmers, living on small plots of land and paying rent to these landlords. The land was subdivided among heirs, leading to plots becoming increasingly smaller and less productive over generations.

British Colonial Policies: The relationship between Ireland and Britain played a significant role in exacerbating the famine’s effects. Some British policies and economic theories at the time discouraged intervention. For instance:

Corn Laws: These tariffs protected British grain producers from cheaper foreign competition, making grain more expensive and less accessible for the starving Irish.

Economic Beliefs: The prevailing laissez-faire economic philosophy of the time held that markets should be allowed to self-regulate without government intervention.

Exports: Even as the famine raged, Ireland continued to export food (like grain, meat, and dairy) to Britain, which was a source of controversy. Many felt these exports should have been halted or reduced to feed the starving Irish population.
Inadequate Relief Efforts: While the British government did undertake some relief measures, such as opening public works projects and distributing maize (known as “peel’s brimstone”), these efforts were often insufficient, mismanaged, or too late. The public works projects sometimes did not lead to meaningful infrastructure improvements and instead focused on tasks like building roads that led nowhere.

Social and Cultural Factors: Discrimination against the Irish Catholics by the Protestant English elite, language barriers (many Irish spoke only Gaelic), and distrust between the local population and English officials further complicated relief efforts.

Reference: text in quotes is from “The Famine” poster. Cobh Heritage Center, May 2014.