Description
Bath Abbey contains the largest collection of monuments in any UK church or cathedral. But how did the ruined Abbey of 1539 become a Georgian 'gallery of sculpture', where the latest works of art by famous sculptors could be seen? And why are their appearances today so different from their original designs?
Long before the city's now-celebrated museums and galleries were established, the Abbey's monuments were one of Bath's newsworthy tourist attractions. Drawing on a wealth of unpublished material on the Abbey's history, this book tells the story of its monuments for the first time - how they helped the Abbey rise from the aftermath of the Dissolution to give it a new identity, a unique floor, and walls that tell the social history of Bath.
Bath Abbey has the largest and strangest collection of over 1,500 church monuments in the UK. This is their story.
About the Author
OLIVER TAYLOR is Head of Interpretation, Learning and Engagement at Bath Abbey. He holds a first class honours degree and PhD from Durham University. Since 2011 he has worked in the heritage sector and managed a number of projects that have widened access to local history. He lives in Backwell, North Somerset.
Reviews
Extract featured in Autumn edition of The Bath Magazine
Handsomely illustrated and full of insight, his book will be of real value to anyone interested in the history of the Abbey, of the city, and of memorials more generally.
* Church Times *Book Information
ISBN 9780750993739
Author Oliver Taylor
Format Paperback
Page Count 356
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd
