Now, if you make models of things, it is only proper that they should be shared with an audience, and so a couple of days ago Richard Griffiths showcased his interpretation of our own Lych Gate in the Beer House on Manchester Road.
I say interpretation but that doesn’t do justice to what is a superb model of that iconic entrance to the former parish graveyard by the old village green.
Richard has made fine models of the Chorlton's Railway Station Box, and Dr Who’s Tardis which is one of my own favourites.
He tells me that the event at the Beer House “was a really nice evening, lots and lots of photographs taken and overwhelmingly positive comments”
And befitting a much-loved historic bit of Chorlton, Richard included a short history of the Lych Gate, which gave context and will have helped some in the room realize the significance of the structure.
So that’s it.
It will be going on display during Chorlton Arts Festival on May 17th and 18th which Ricahard tells me will be in "The Grans Art Exhibition In Barlow Hal with the bonus that they have a bar"
I have yet to ask Richard what his next project will be but I bet it will be a good one.
What I can say is that his attention to detail is exemplary, from the fallen leaves, to the hint of moss on brick and the discarded and forgotten branch.
In previous conversations I know how long it has taken him to produce this model and I rather think there is another story from his words on the inspiration for the choice of the gate, and the process by which it all came together.
We shall see.
But just as I finished the piece Richard sent over another image taken of him beside the Lych Gate, adding "One of me with the model with me looking rather sheepish, but which gives folk and idea of the scale"
Location; The Beer House, Manchester Road
Pictures; our own Lych Gate, 2025, courtesy of Richard Griffiths
