The word "cathedral" comes from the Latin word cathedra—that is, "the chair." Thus, a cathedral is any church which houses the bishop's seat, making it the "mother church" of a diocese, conference or episcopate. Cathedrals are usually bigger (and grander) than the other churches within a bishop's "see" (his "territory'). But it is not the grandeur of the church which makes the church a cathedral. It is the bishop's chair—the seat of his assigned authority—which elevates a church to a cathedral. Think of a cathedral as a bishop's "home church."
This pair of bookends, dated 1928, were made in Los Angeles, California by "Bron-Artz American Art Associates." In 30 years of buying and selling bookends, I have never seen another pair like these. The bold bas relief of the modeling literally "pops" the architecture off the bookends. I have not identified the particular church (or the country where it stands), but I am nonetheless proud to offer them on the website. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248