In loving memory of Matilda, wife of James Ollerton, who died January 20, 1898 aged 45 years - Not Lost But Gone Before.
Thursday 10 March 2011
An Angel scatters Blooms
In Chorley Cemetery, an angel scatters blooms that she has collected in her garment. When I saw this, I thought someone had slipped a charity wristband on her. A closer look revealed that her hand must have broken off and someone had used a thick layer of gum to stick the hand back on. The memorial records:
In loving memory of Matilda, wife of James Ollerton, who died January 20, 1898 aged 45 years - Not Lost But Gone Before.
In loving memory of Matilda, wife of James Ollerton, who died January 20, 1898 aged 45 years - Not Lost But Gone Before.
Looks like she lost part of a wing as well, which wasn't able to be gummed back into place. Do you really think it was gum ? Or some sort of all purpose glue ? Looks like her eyelids are sort of melting as well, drooping... One learns alot the closer one gets.
ReplyDelete"Not lost but gone before." I was puzzling over that inscription and came to the conclusion that Matilda died first and went to heaven where she will not be lost, just having to wait a bit for James. I love the imagery of her scattering blossoms and that her hand is back in place...
ReplyDeleteAh, Owen - I searched around for the words and gum came to mind - probably all-purpose adhesive? Handy, though!
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret, that's a good conclusion. Her's was the only name on the memorial so she may still be waiting.