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Volume 5 - PABA Edition - Page 9
National Cathedral Rail
Vol. 1 (May June JYH)
Vol. 2 ABANA - Vol. 4 ABANA Late Edition
Vol. 3 Camp Fenby Edition  
Digital photos by Jock Dempsey
Josh Greenwood's
National Cathedral Railing.
Parclose Stairway
This railing was completed in 1983 but this is the first time Josh has had photos taken of it. The railing posed some significant design problems. For starters it had to be similar to a Samuel Yellin rail on the oposite side of the stairwell. And also blend with a Gishner Ironworks rail at the bottom of the steps. Then the steps had a peculiar drop in the turn that had troubled other smiths who had put the job off for decades. Finally the newel post had to be out in the nave which made it a very visible piece.

Josh talking to a tour group.
I can't take this guy anywhere!
After we set up the 600W of lights in the dimly lit Cathedral it was quite obvious there was a photo shoot going on. Several of the docents giving tours were tickled to find one of the Cathedral's artificers at work. However, one just quickly told her group that this was part of the cataloging of the Cathedral and quietly wisked her group by.
Gishner meets Greenwood
Rails made decades apart meet at the lower landing. Yellin rail in background at left.
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August 30th, 1998 - PABA Edition.
Copyright ©1998 Jock Dempsey