Bath Abbey

Printed on archival watercolour paper with waterbased inks, these fine art reproductions are a true and faithful reproduction of an original watercolour painting by local artist Irene Marsh.

Irene’s original paintings are held in private collections around the world, admired for their remarkable detail and delicate craftsmanship. Each original watercolour often took up to a year to complete, as Irene worked meticulously with a magnifying glass and fine brush to capture every subtle nuance — a testament to her extraordinary patience and skill.

The History

The Abbey Church of Saint Petet and Saint Paul, more commonly known as Bath Abby, is a parish church of the Church of Englad and a former Benedictine monastery located in Bath, Somerset, England.

Founded in the 7th century, the Abbey was reorganised in the 10th century and rebuilt in both the 12th and 16th centuries. Extensive restoration work was later carried out by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1860s. Today, Bath Abbey stands as one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in the West Country.

Throughout its long history, the medieval abbey church occasionally served as a cathedral. After prolonged disputes between the clergy of Bath and Wells, the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Bath and Wells was eventually consolidated at Wells Cathedral. The benedictine community itself was dissolved in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

The West front, which we see here, originally constructed around 1520, features a large arched window framed by intricate stone carvings. Above the window, angels climb long stone ladders on either side - a striking visual reference to Jacob's dream from the Bible, oftewn called Jacob's Ladder. These sculptures have been interpreted as symbolising spiritual ascent through humility and descent through pride.

If you look closely, you might even spot the angel who changed his mind - and is climbing down the ladder!