1920s Choir East Window Oxford Cathedral England Postcard
About This Vintage Postcard
Gaze down the spiritual heart of one of England's smallest yet most unique cathedrals with this exquisite sepia postcard of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. The view looks East through the Choir, showcasing the cathedral's world-famous 15th-century stone vaulting. This architectural masterpiece features intricate "star" patterns and carved stone pendants that appear to float effortlessly above the ornate wooden choir stalls.
In the distance, the High Altar is framed by the East Window, which includes a prominent rose window design. This scene captures the transition from the heavy Norman pillars of the 12th century to the delicate late Gothic decorative flourishes that make this cathedral, which also serves as the college chapel for Christ Church, Oxford, an enduring treasure of British ecclesiastical history.
Details
Era: Divided Back
City: Oxford
State or Region: Oxfordshire
Country: England
Topic: Oxford Cathedral, Christ Church Choir, Gothic Vaulting, English Cathedrals, Church Architecture
Condition: Circulated
Postage: 1d Red King George V stamp; postmarked London W.C.,
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Vertical (Portrait)
Artist / Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Valentine’s Series (Trademark: JV)
Printer: J. Valentine & Sons, Ltd., Dundee
Print Type: Collotype, Sepia toned print
Additional Information
This postcard features a captivating travel narrative from the eve of the Great War. Dated "July 28, 1913," the sender writes to Miss Carrie B. Thatcher in Govanstown, Maryland, USA: "Stopped at this town on our way to London. It is a great place with its wonderful colleges. Expect to stay in London about four days. Can hardly realize we are here at last." The card bears a distinctive "London W.C." machine cancel and a "Famous Throughout the World" Valentine's globe logo. Christ Church Cathedral is unique in that it serves a dual purpose as both the cathedral for the Diocese of Oxford and the chapel for Christ Church College. The remarkable choir vaulting seen here was added around 1500 and is believed to have been designed by William Orchard, the same master mason responsible for the Divinity School's ceiling.
Love it ♡
Get it ☆
Get Lucky 💋 Vintage
