Re: Re: reorganisation and destruction of irish catholic churches

Gunter:

This is exactly my point about Cobh Cathedral and the livinbg building tradition that continues in the form of Dombauhutte (not Dombauverein as CologneMike rightly points out) in Cologne. Another interesting point about this institution is August Reichensperger who brought the Cathedral of Cologne to completion. A polymath, his interests in architecture and art provided much of the tehoretical basis needed to promote the neo-Gothic revival in Germany. Again, he was a close associate of A.W.N. Pugin and of A.N. Didron in Paris. All three attended the consecration of Pugin’s masterpiece at Cheadle in 1846.

What is institutionally lacking in Cobh to secure the maintenanc eof the building is exactly what has survived from the Middle Ages in Cologne and should serve a model to follow and a source of experience and wisdom from which todraw. Milan Cathedral also has a long surviving Fabbrica to look after the building as does St. Peter’s in Rome where many of the craftsmen employed are direc descendents of those whoc build the new basilica in the 16th century. These craftsmen knw every nook and cranny of the buildings they live and work with.