Closed After Dark

Last weekend I spent some time at Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.'s Bishop's Garden at the Washington National Cathedral. I did this to commemorate my passage from my move to Washington in 1983 to my return to Washington in 2012. When I lived across the street from the Cathedral 29 years ago, I used to come to the garden to meditate and occasionally sketch. Now, I am moving back to the neighborhood, just around the corner. And I know I'll be spending time there again, meditating and occasionally sketching. Many years ago, I visited the Cathedral at night with a friend. I guess we didn't see the signs, but at least we were told in a very polite way that we had to leave.

I spent some extra time in the Shadow House, trying to show how well the site uses light to emphasize its materials and shape.

Ninth Century baptismal font from the Cloisters in New York. 

A moss-covered chair in the shade. I believe this is the very chair where I used to sit (based on the amount of moss, and its location).

You can see some fencing next to the Norman Arch, which marks the entrance to the garden. This is where a large crane fell on the wall back in September. Repairs are underway. 

Photos: Alexis H. Mueller;  Additional Information:  Washington National Cathedral All Hallows Guild