Simply To Thy Cross I Cling: Foolow : St Hugh's Church

Monday 2 April 2012

Foolow : St Hugh's Church

St Hugh's Church : Foolow

Built in 1888 as a Mission Church.

St Hugh (1140 1200) was renowned for his piety and concern for the poor.

He was also known as the English St Francis.

His Feast Day is 17 November, the day after his death.

**Technical Details**

Mamiya 645

Mamiya 80mm F2.8

Ilford PanF50 - 120

**Post Editing Details**

Negatives scanned via Ilford Lab Direct

Adobe Photoshop CS5

Silver Efex Pro2

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"Simply To Thy Cross I Cling"

"Simply To Thy Cross I Cling" ...

I started this photographic pilgrimage in 2009, with the target of visiting and photographing the exteriors and interiors of all the churches and chapels under the Church of England banner.

I'd been photographing churches since I took up photography, but there was a lack of cohesion to my body of work. It was after studying and researching the Church of England churches and chapels, that I decided on concentrating solely on those within the Derbyshire Diocese and Peak District boundary.

Initial studies led me to believe there were just over 90 churches within the perimeters of my studies. On further research and much closer inspection, that figure is now over 330!

During 2009 when this idea was born and 2010, I was fortunate to have access to private transport. 2011 saw me become a daily user of public transport, starting out in Sheffield and making my way across the Derbyshire towns and Peak District villages. On reflection, I prefer the travelling by bus, I see more than I ever would sat behind the wheel of a car. Though being restricted to timetables and mileage, I believe I would have passed the 200 mark by now.

On my travels I've met many inspirational people, from travelling preachers to ex-miners tending to their church gardens and even a Finnish woman who spent time with me on the roads to churches across the county.

As I research even further into the histories of the churches, villages, myths and folklore tales, I feel as though what was a minimum of five years to complete the work, it will be a lifelong study, of which I cannot complain.

The object of this work is to provide a reference for future generations, I feel as though it will be a photographic legacy to leave for those who have an interest in Derbyshire, The Peak District, Churches and Chapels and photography too.

For those who wonder why such a subject. Personally, I love being alone in churches, taking in the history, the atmosphere, the serenity and calmness. Silent prayer, when all around outside, the world is racing at break neck speed to complete and compete, is a luxury I don't take for granted. I was asked, "Do you get frightened by being surrounded by death and sadness?" ... to which I replied.. "Those who have passed away can't harm me, or anyone else, it's the living that do that!!"

The name of this photographic project is taken from a memorial carving situated in Eyam, St Laurence's Churchyard. Of which there will be a photograph at some point amongst the posts on here.

So, if you're reading this... and happen to cross my path at some point, make sure you come over and say "hello" ...

Taylor

April 1st 2012