The South Porch of the Church of St Guimiliau was mainly built between 1606-17 and it is thought the carvings were by the Maître de Plougastel and Roland Doré, and their workshops.
On the left side of the Porch is a a monk or perhaps a saint I haven’t been able to identify, but the joy of this building lies in the details, and this solemn figure is surrounded by decorative carvings and curious little heads.
The Archway is richly carved and reads from left to right. This is just a hint of what exists and one could fill a small book with the Archway alone. (More details here.)
Inside the South Porch the Apostles line both sides, standing on a lintel above an elaborately carved frieze, and over their heads, carved canopies.
Even the base of the columns between the Apostles have little carvings!
There are double doors into the Church with an elaborately carved surround. The Grouping above the doors has a central figure of Christ apparently carved by Roland Doré, although it seems quite ‘primitive’ to me.
On the upright columns on either side of the doors are these extraordinary couples – two hairy men , fighting, and a man and a woman. Interestingly the man is on the right – usually this kind of figure is presented with the man on the left:
The Canopy over the stoup looks almost pagan…
And now it is time to open the door and look inside…
Further information
The South Porch, St Guimiliau
St Guimiliau Church, and here
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