Tag Archives: University College Chapel

Project Development

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University College Chapel

Best known for its windows by Dutch artist Abraham van Linge, it seems somewhat ironic that today’s visit saw me photograph none of those.  Sadly the lighting was too bright and harsh to capture any of the south windows and as a result of this, the north windows were too brightly lit internally by the other windows.

Univ - Chapel (low res)Univ - Chapel 02 (low res)

This only left me with the ‘new’ east window.  For the first time, I opted to capture all five of the main lights within the window as they tell the story of the crucifixion in its entirety.  In addition to this, and in keeping with most of my visits this Module, I photographed a number of the angels that make up the reticulated tracery at the top of the window.

Univ - Rose - Left Angel (low res)Univ - East Windows - Centre Angels (Low Res)Univ - Rose - Right Angel (low res)

Scenes from the Passion – Angles (Arthur & Michael O’Connor, 1864) University College Chapel

These images were shot at 400mm using the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, at an aperture of f/8.0 and exposure times ranging from 1/50 s to 1/2 s.  Currently I have yet to start editing the main lights, but will post an update once it is complete.

I plan to return to photograph other windows within the chapel when the light is more favourable, although am inclined to capture the Adoration of the Magi (Clayton & Bell, 1866) rather than one of the van Linge’s, since this will tie in with my plan to generate a supplemental portfolio of image appropriate for use in the production of a collection of Christmas cards.

Project Development

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University College Chapel – East Window

My first stab at (almost) an entire window warrants a before and after look.  I was ambivalent about the support bars, and despite there being only two or three per light, I opted to leave them in as they do not detract (much) from the image.  Now, as I type this, I find myself questioning that decision.  Perhaps at a later date I might re-edit the image, but for the time being they remain.

Univ - East Window - Scenes from the Passion (low res) BEFOREUniv - East Window - Scenes from the Passion (low res)

Scenes from the Passion (Arthur & Michael O’Connor, 1864) University College Chapel

This blog does not do the five lights sufficient justice, so below is the window split into three, running from left to right:

Univ - East Window - Scenes from the Passion (low res Left)Univ - East Window - Scenes from the Passion (low res Centre)Univ - East Window - Scenes from the Passion (low res Right)

I am surprised by the lack of support bars – based upon previous experiences, I would have anticipated four or five per light, but instead there are two or perhaps three, with an extensive area of unsupported glass in the middle.  Perhaps this is a feature of Arthur & Michael O’Connor lights – as these are the first that I have (knowingly) seen, it is hard to tell without further research.

The presence of two candelabras necessitated the photograph to be taken from an off-centre position to the left of the window, leaving the candelabra chain running between the fourth and fifth light.  The existence of raised pews and high kneelers at the west end facilitated a pleasingly high tripod location, some 4m off the ground.  As a result, there was only minimal post-production perspective control required, with a minor amount of converging verticals and not too much horizontal convergence, with the degradation in image quality being difficult to notice.

A total of 18 images were shot at 148mm using the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, at an aperture of f/8.0 and exposure times ranging from 1/50 s to 1s.

Happy Easter!

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Stained Glass Resurrection