The Light of Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral is one of the great treasures of Gothic architecture in England, yet it remains a place of quiet power and unassuming grace. Set in the heart of Somerset, the cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is renowned for its innovative architecture, medieval carvings, and spiritual atmosphere. It was the first English cathedral to be built entirely in the Gothic style, and its harmonious proportions and distinctive scissor arches have inspired awe for centuries.
This masterpiece of sacred design isn't simply a monument to history—it’s a living space of light, structure, and mood. As a photographer, I’m drawn not just to its grandeur, but to the way light dances across its surfaces, how silence hangs between the vaults, and how each stone seems to breathe with stories centuries old.
Capturing the Golden Arches
The first image in this post, Golden Arches of Wells, focuses on the cathedral’s iconic nave and the extraordinary scissor arches—a solution to a structural crisis in the 14th century that became a defining feature of the building. I was drawn to the natural rhythm of the ribs overhead, how they rise and meet in elegant flourishes, and how the warm tones of the ceiling glow in the morning light.
This photo was taken just as sunlight began to touch the vaults. I carefully exposed the highlights to preserve the soft luminosity of the stone, then brought out the warmth through subtle colour grading. Using a warm-toned gradient in Photoshop and a diffusion layer for glow, I enhanced the divine radiance that the space naturally projects. My goal was not just to document the architecture, but to express how it felt to stand there in stillness—bathed in quiet gold.
The Vaulted Organ: Power and Precision
The second image, The Pipes of Wells, turns to the organ and choir stalls. Here the atmosphere shifts from ethereal to dramatic. The towering blue and gold pipes of the organ rise like a celestial citadel beneath the fan-vaulted ceiling, while the richly carved wooden choir stalls line the path below.
To emphasize the bold contrast of colour and form, I adjusted the blues and golds selectively in Lightroom, keeping the organ vibrant while letting the surrounding stone architecture stay cool and textured. A careful balance of shadow detail and contrast ensures the eye travels up the image, from the lamps and pews to the soaring vaults above.
Together, these two images explore different facets of Wells Cathedral: serenity and strength, lightness and solidity, history and presence.
These photographs are available as limited edition fine art prints, professionally printed and archivally mounted. They are designed to bring a sense of peace, heritage, and timeless beauty into your home or space. Whether displayed individually or as a pair, they speak to those who find meaning in architectural form, light, and the quiet power of sacred places.
Each print comes hand-signed, with an optional certificate of authenticity, and is available in multiple sizes and finishes. If you’re a collector looking for work that captures both the technical precision and emotional resonance of place, these are among my finest cathedral studies.
