New Publication: ‘The Sculptures of the Judgement Porch of Lincoln Cathedral’ by Paul Williamson

The first monograph dedicated to the Judgement Porch of Lincoln Cathedral, one of the greatest buildings of medieval Europe

Lincoln Cathedral is one of the greatest buildings of medieval Europe, remarkable both for its architectural form and its sculptural treasures.  Unlike the celebrated Angel Choir, the great portal on its south side has until now not been the subject of a dedicated monograph. The Judgement Porch, so-called because of the subject matter of the tympanum, showing Christ present at the Last Judgement, with angels, devils, the blessed and the damned, is one of the key monuments of English Gothic sculpture, and the present publication demonstrates its importance with a detailed investigation of the doorway’s history, iconography, facture and style.

The text is accompanied by a comprehensive series of photographs, many taken especially for this book, with details illustrating the less well-known sculptures, including the voussoir figures of the arch.  Every one of the individual sculptures of the voussoirs, showing queens, kings, the wise and foolish virgins, and the apostles, have been photographed; together with the relief sculptures of the tympanum and the flanking life-size statues connected with the sculptural programme, they collectively demonstrate the extremely high quality of the work at Lincoln.

Paul Williamson is Keeper Emeritus and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Victoria and Albert Museum. He has written widely on medieval sculpture, including the Pelican History of Art volume Gothic Sculpture 1140–1300 (Yale, 1995), and has advised many churches and cathedrals, including Wells and Lincoln, on the subject.

Find out more about the book on the Yale University Press website.