Iluminations: gallery room six

Welcome to the Gallery. Stroll at your leisure around this display of Alison's work. To save you from having to scroll too far, the Gallery is split into seven "rooms" - this is ROOM SIX.

To view a larger version of each of the paintings, simply click on the relevant image. Remember, though, that the larger version has a bigger file size and will take longer to download.

Some of the paintings can be bought as cards. If so, their availability is included with the card details. Contact Alison about prices.

Moving House

A Benedictine monastery existed at Cranborne, in Dorset, from the tenth century. In 1102, Abbot Giraldus and members of that community moved to Tewkesbury to take up residence in a new abbey founded by Sir Robert Fitzhamon. From then on, Cranborne became a dependent cell of Tewkesbury Abbey until both communities surrendered to the Crown during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1540.

Rotating cards: Little Donkey, Star of Night, Glad Tidings

These cards were produced with revolving discs that animated scenes from the Christmas story. They were inspired by illustrations in a Canterbury Psalter of c1140.

Empress Matilda in a Basket

Cousins Matilda and Stephen, grandchildren of William the Conqueror, were rivals for the English crown and fought a bitter civil war following the death of Henry I in 1135.

In December 1142, Stephen and his army laid siege to Oxford Castle, which Matilda was occupying.

A few days before Christmas, Matilda, accompanied by just three or four of her knights, made a dramatic and daring escape. Lowered by ropes in a basket from the castle walls, and camouflaged against the snow in white cloaks, the little party crossed the frozen Thames on foot and walked through the enemy's lines to Abingdon and safety.

The Dedication of Gloucester Abbey Church on July 15th, 1100

This work was originally produced as a large limited edition print.