Artwork
Pier of Choir, Ely Cathedral

Pier of Choir, Ely Cathedral is a drawing by Somers Clarke. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This pencil drawing isolates a specific architectural element from Ely Cathedral, focusing on a single pier within the choir area.
About this work
Overview
This pencil drawing isolates a specific architectural element from Ely Cathedral, focusing on a single pier within the choir area.
Subject & Meaning
The depicted pier consists of a tall, pointed arch supported by two columns with simple bases and rounded, decorated capitals. A small, flat stone block is situated below the arch.
Technique & Style
The drawing features carefully rendered lines with selective shading to convey depth. The artist's use of precise draftsmanship emphasizes the architectural details of the subject.
History & Provenance
Limited information is provided about the drawing's creation date, artist, or ownership history. It is labeled 'Pier of Choir,' indicating its specific location within Ely Cathedral.
Context
As part of a broader architectural context, this pier is one element of Ely Cathedral's choir. The drawing highlights the Gothic architectural style characteristic of the cathedral.
Legacy
The drawing serves as a detailed record of Ely Cathedral's architectural features. Its focus on a single element showcases the importance of such details in understanding the cathedral's overall design.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Somers Clarke was an architect and English Egyptologist who worked on the restoration and design of churches and at a number of sites throughout Egypt, notably in El Kab, where he built a mud brick house.


















