【利物浦】St. Luke's Church－il Giardino Romantico

這個沒人理的教堂，目前可以說是我最喜歡的教堂。不過這可能是因為我還沒踏入利物浦最大間的教堂。據說爬上那間教堂的頂端可以看到整個利物浦的景色。也有全世界最大的管風琴。話雖如此，但這間快被遺忘的教堂對我來說已經足以大開眼界。令人感動的是他的存在、以及人們刻意將他化為一個有意義的聚會場所。

St. Luke's is also known as the 'bombed-out' church. This is quite sad, because its historical value is priceless compared to the bigger, more glamorous cathedrals in town. It deserves a better name. At the moment, it is my favorite church, despite the fact that the largest cathedral has one of the biggest organs in the world, and apparently the sight from one of the towers is extremely breath-taking. Since I have not set food inside that cathedral, yet, this old, 'bombed-out' church, will temporarily be my favorite one.

因為兩年一度的藝術活動，讓這間遺忘的教堂活了起來。
This biennial event brings some life back to this neglected church.

美麗的教堂與藍天非常相配。
Beautifully standing before the azure backdrop.

教堂某一角。
One side of the church.

剩下的另一角。
From another angle.

窗
What's left of the window.

建於1831年。在1941年五月德軍的倫敦大轟炸中被摧毀。1968年國教收購。至今作為安定與和平的象徵。
All about St. Luke's.

很有歷史價值的教堂。
Basically, a museum itself!

以前只能透過電影看到的場景。
From a scene in a movie?

教堂『內部』。
The 'inside' of the church.

由內向外看。
Looking outward.

看得出歷史的痕跡。
Traces of historical events.

現代藝術。
Contemporary art.

本來不懂為什麼要放這些梯子來破壞這間教堂『內部』的美觀。但在我問了一旁的解說員了解之後，一切都變得更有意義。這些梯子象徵的是我們登上夢想的慾望。任何人都可以『捐』梯子。這兩年一度的現代藝術展結束之後，所有的梯子將會被移到別處展覽。對於目前處於『活在夢想中』的我而言，聽到這樣的解說，當然更是感動。不過我沒梯子可捐。

It all seemed rather confusing, at first, as are all contemporary art. However, once you are told the meaning behind all this, it does tend to help you appreciate 'contemporary art' a little more. These ladders are a symbol of our strife towards our dreams and goals. As someone who is actually 'living her dream', I was deeply touched by the hidden meaning. Anyone who wishes to 'donate' a ladder, may do so. After the exhibition here, they will all be transported to some other places for further exhibition.

覺得這個最可愛。
My favorite ladder.

這不是垃圾桶。
These are NOT bins...

教堂門口有兩個人把門。進來不用門票，但會被要求『簽到』。那兩個人其中一個人是專門顧這教堂的『管理員』。據說這些統子就是他放的。有什麼意義呢？這些都是『樂器』。後面那黑黑長長的東西也是一種現代樂器。每逢週末，這位大哥都會帶小朋友來這裡玩音樂。聽到這就解開了我與友人之間的一個大疑惑：我們曾在經過時聽見打擊樂，但怎麼都想不透怎麼會從教堂內傳來。當時也還沒發現入口。現在聽到了這樣的解說，真的很令人感動。

Again! Yet another enigmatic scene. Two blokes can be found standing at the entrance to the church. No entry fee is required, but they will ask you to 'sign in'. Apparently one of these blokes is in charge of looking after the church. This is an idea he came up with, where he would let kids come in and play music on these plastic buckets. That explains why my friend and I had heard percussion music coming out from the church. I think this adds meaning (and life!) to this neglected church, don't you?

喜歡他們對這間被遺忘的教堂所付出的努力。
Their effort in bringing back some livelihood to the church.

關於這間教堂。
All about St. Luke's.