I was wandering through the streets in the old part of Bristol today with some friends and we came across some pretty almshouses. The were behind closed gates so it was difficult to get a good view but these stone carvings were set in the brick on the first floor. They are the Magi, carrying their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrhh.
I thought they were perfect for Ailsa’s challenge this week.
If you would like to join in or see some other interpretations visit her at http://wheresmybackpack.com/2013/10/25/travel-theme-stone/
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Lucid Gypsy 
I am wondering why these particular people were carved in stone on these almshouses. Any idea?
Colline, my guess as to why the magi were carved on the almshouse is that they represent the giving of gifts to the Lord, and the Word of God teaches that when we give to the poor, we give to the Lord. (Matt. 25:40 and Prov. 19:17). I feel sure that’s why these particular people were chosen.
What you say makes sense. Thank you for answering my question.
Perfect!
Colline if you pop back you could read Paula’s reply, she’s a historian! 🙂
OH yes, they are absolutely perfect for the challenge, Gilly. Aren’t the Magi wonderful – they look quite contemporary. I love them!
They have a very pretty setting as well!
A great response to the prompt, Gilly. And very good photography work if you had to get this shot around closed gates.
Thanks for both of your comments Sandra 🙂
I’ve just read about todays trip to Bristol and meeting up with our OU friends. You inspired me to have a quick look into the almshouses. The building with the statues is the Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne and was commissioned by John Foster in 1504. One other site cites that this is indeed a rarity of dedication to the Magi. The three kings remains are supposed to be in Cologne cathedral and it would be interesting to know why Foster chose this theme for his chapel. Also I wonder about your comment for the statues having a modern appearance. Again, it would be magnificent if they had survived The Reformation and later the English Civil War and their associated iconoclasms of religious as most niches still remain empty to this day. I’m in no way demeaning your fantastic writing, in fact I’m applauding it as you gave me an excuse to look at something different. Thank you Gilly for opening up another avenue to research 🙂
Always happy to stimulate research and learning Paula! Thanks for taking the time to comment, I’m really interested in history but just a bit too lazy to follow it up 🙂
The detail really stands out in your black and white photo!! Marvelous!
Thanks Cee 🙂
I love how the more contemporary (as M says) figures contrast with the older decorative stone niches … a lovely shot through closed gates!
They work really well don’t they? Apparently they are by Ernest Pascoe. Thanks Christine 🙂
So perfect for the challenge, Gilly. I think they’re lovely. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia, it was a very pretty place!
What an amazing shot, Gilly! The mystery behind why these particular stone carvings were placed here is fascinating, too! 🙂
There’s a link on today’s post!
You have a fantabulous photographer’s eye and always manage to present the most interesting pictures. I’ve never seen anything like this. I believe it’s fitting that the Magi are present here.
Thanks Tess I hope you see today’s post and click the link 🙂
🙂
Good post Gilly, sort of comical figures …
I thought you might have seen them before, you’re not so far away.
Yeh, I now know the building is in Bristol but I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it; not my sort of thing.
Impressive how the blogosphere generates it own momentum. I’ve been meaning to say how impressed I am with your blog output. I have no idea how you cope with the administration of it and all the other things you do.
In awe….tony
Great find!
They are unique aren’t they? 🙂
They are definitely stone. You picked a wonderful image to showcase the challenge.
The architecture with images like these are always so fascinating. The work it must have
taken to create them is a work of art all on it’s own. Super, Gilly ….
Thanks Issy I was most taken with them 🙂
beautiful! Now I want to know why the styles are so distinctly different Gilly! 🙂
Ahh well Madhu if you pop back today and click the link . . . 🙂
The three kings! I wonder i it shows a star in reference to the one they followed to find the manger.
Great find. Do you know why they were chosen for the almshouses?
I love them: so stylised and beautifully showcased against the highly textured cut stone of the structure itself. Terrific response Gilly.
A wonderful example of stone and I loved reading Paula’s response. Thanks for the education.
Hm, this is something else!