Rubens’ Old Woman and Boy with Candles hangs at The Hague and is a wonderful study of the effects of light. It was never made to be sold but was retained by the artist, perhaps as a model for pupils regarding illumination. The grandmother shields her face from the glow with a hand while the child waits for his candle to catch the flame, though her fingers come close to burning.
Portsmouth’s Royal Garrison Church has had a long and chequered history. This is reflected in its current name as well as its previous one, Domus Dei, when it was attached to an alms-house and hospital.
The Hebrew prophet Ezekiel beheld the very presence and glory of God Himself. Little wonder that his writings are considered difficult and incomprehensible to our dull minds. A colour he thrice uses to describe the divine majesty is that of a brown substance called amber:
The art gallery in The Hague not only contains great portraits but it is a great artwork itself, while serenely peering out upon the water next to the Torentje and the Binnenhof complex. There is beauty within, too, for its staircases are not merely utilitarian methods of getting punters upstairs, but a stylish and elegant feature of the building.
St George’s Church at Portsea in Hampshire, which calls itself 'Harbour Church', was built in 1754 though subject to the usual repairs over the years, not least on account of Nazi bombs in the last world war. The church’s website declares:
01282 540 562
pastor @ martintop. org .uk
Salem Chapel, Martin Top
near Rimington, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 4EG
Salem Congregational Chapel is a registered charity No. 252401 (England & Wales)
Sunday Worship 10.45am & 6.00pm