I believe the method employed here is known as "structural gingerbread"...
Sadly, I had left my camera at home, not being aware of the architectural bid being put in today, but fortunately I had my trusty mobile phone camera to hand. I doubted that the structure will survive the predations of various children at a party this afternoon (the stained glass is actually made from sugar), and I wished to preserve a record of it for posterity.
The attention to detail is quite amazing, and inside there is a lego altar with a priest and two servers. I was pleased to note the presence of altar rails.
Perhaps next year we might arrange a High Mass, and I might even suggest a few jelly babies in the congregation...
Ah ! That's what it was . . . I saw it whizzing into the Club as I was getting into my car, and couldn't quite work it out - especially as it appeared to be on fire (and was being hotly pursued by several young servers with yards of ivy) ! However, the photos make everything clear.
ReplyDeleteI thought the good Father wasn't keen on Gothic !
Dear Mulier Fortis. What an outstanding scale model of the proposed Blackfen Minor Basilica. The architect is obviously world-renowned and, no doubt, has many such prestigious structures in their portfolio. The use of gingerbread is somewhat novel, but should go a little way to alleviating the concerns of some commenters. These commenters had previously expressed reservations about the conservative and classical nature of the proposed Minor Basilica. The PP's preference for a Baroque structure should now be more easily attained by the use of gingerbread. Your photograph clearly shows the wonderful vertical dynamic strength inherent in this design (reminiscent of Late English Gothic) and I am sure that English Heritage would love to contribute something. Personally, I think that white Italian marble for the altar would be preferable to Lego. I also note the absence of a Social Club (something you would not be too happy about, I'm sure). The bonus is that, if any die-hard Council Planning Committee cannot accept such a stimulating creation, one can always eat it and start again !!!
ReplyDeleteDominic Mary - do you mean to say that you have actually visited Blackfen and have failed to introduce yourself?? Tut tut!
ReplyDeletePlease make sure to identify yourself on your next visit...
Mac;
ReplyDeleteI was going to, but both you and His Hermeneuticalness had vanished when I emerged from the Church - and I did check in the Club, as well !
I assumed parochial business was occupying you both (apparently correctly; clearly the Building Committee was in session), and didn't want to interrupt; but there's always next time . . .
However, my visit did inspire my own post last evening !
Heheheheheh... next time, go to the Sacristy (I'm usually busy setting up stuff for the Evening Mass...)
ReplyDelete;-)
Zephyrinus,
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think the novel use of lego for a high altar would be an excellent idea. It would, for example allow gradines to be assembled, dismantled and reconfigured at will; candlesticks, etc., could be firmly clipped into place, avoiding the possibility of infringing any health and safety regulations; and, best of all, with the provision of suitable bricks sewn into the knees of cassocks and attached to shoes, it should be possible for even an inexperienced MC to ensure that all servers are correctly positioned at all times!
;-D