Gothic Westminster - Big Ben is a photograph by Mark E Tisdale which was uploaded on June 15th, 2012.
Gothic Westminster - Big Ben
I'm sure I can't be the first American who upon setting eyes on the great clock tower at the British Parliament uttered the worlds, Look kids, Big... more
Title
Gothic Westminster - Big Ben
Artist
Mark E Tisdale
Medium
Photograph - Photo Art
Description
I'm sure I can't be the first American who upon setting eyes on the great clock tower at the British Parliament uttered the worlds, "Look kids, Big Ben, Parliament..." Those words of course are a snippet from National Lampoon's European Vacation.
That said, after the brief moment of humor passed, I was really struck by the beauty and architectural details of the clock tower we know informally the world over as Big Ben. In truth, of course, Big Ben is the bell inside, nothing we can see, but it hasn't stopped Big Ben from becoming a British Icon the world over. The interesting part is digging beneath the surface. The clock tower looks quite old but is another of many examples of Victorian London.
The original Palace of Westminster mostly burned in a fire in the 1830's. It was rebuilt in a Tudor Gothic style but as with many examples of Victorian buildings, it was something of a romanticized version of Tudor Gothic. The incredible perpendicular lines and rich architectural details though have resulted in an over-the-top and truly memorable building.
This is one of those places I visit time and time again in London and each time attempt a new take on it. This version was a stroke of luck. The day I arrived there was a race that had closed the streets around Parliament and after that race passed, I was able to walk on the middle of Westminster Bridge, a vantage point that would ordinarily entail dodging traffic.
I've added a number of textural layers as I was looking for a dramatic and somewhat vintage feel for this historic clock. Personally I find this picture to be one of my personal favorites. It has such an aged patina I can almost feel it came from some grandmother's trunk somewhere.
Note: The Palace of Westminster along with the nearby Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church are a UNESCO designated World Heritage Centre owing to their historic and architectural significance.
Uploaded
June 15th, 2012
