One of Hawksmore's best known churches, Christ Church is today undergoing extensive restoration. |
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The west front The majestic portico and tower echo the Venetian window motif Hawksmoor used in the east end of the church. Here, on the west, he designed an arched opening between two rectangular ones. This Venetian rhythm is also repeated on the tower. |
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Details of the porticoThe four Tuscan columns have wider spacing in the center than the sides. The lateral columns support a wide entablature. The center vault is coffered. |
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The towerThe spire rises to 225 feet. Until the early nineteenth century the spire had crockets running up the side--making it seem more "Gothic." |
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The south sidePorthole windows lit the upper galleries (which no longer exist) while larger round-headed windows set in relieving arches light the nave. The steeple, while broad from the front, is shallow when seen from the side. |