On a recent trip to England, I visited York Minster. Despite my fascination with gothic architecture in all its forms, I found myself running around snapping photos of—of all things—the carpets. (I figured a much better photographer than I had already spent time with the stonework and the medieval stained glass.)
There was nothing strikingly rare or unique about these particular carpets; it’s the fact that they were there at all. Too often, churches use godawful bordello-red synthetic broadloom. But here, at last, were carpets used appropriately, highlighting all their artistic, symbolic, and practical qualities and helping to create a feeling of transcendence.
A gorgeous antique Kurdish rug before one of the altars:
A very nice Turkoman, probably Tekke, under one of the more prominent chairs. Unfortunately, the bishop’s Cathedra was on a bare floor, at least when I saw it.
Another nice old Kurdish piece.
There were also a few more carpets scattered about, some of respectable age, including an Ersari and a nice, uncharacteristically ornate Turkish piece.
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@fotofacade I DO look up.. sometimes. Promise not to laugh at my lack of camera skills: http://tr.im/kGfO (via @GuildcraftRugs)Fascinating!