Golden Arches of Wells

Wells Cathedral is one of England’s most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture—grand enough to inspire awe, yet intimate enough to feel at home in the heart of Somerset. Built in the 12th century, it was the first cathedral in England to be constructed entirely in the Gothic style. Its graceful proportions, medieval carvings, and distinctive 14th-century scissor arches have been admired for centuries.

Despite its age, Wells is far more than a historic landmark—it’s a living space of light, stone, and atmosphere. As a photographer, I’m drawn to the way sunlight drifts across the carved surfaces, the way sound softens under the vaulted ceilings, and the quiet sense that every pillar and arch has a story to tell.

Capturing the Golden Arches

My photograph Golden Arches of Wells focuses on the cathedral’s iconic scissor arches, a structural solution turned architectural masterpiece. These sweeping lines cross high above the nave, creating a rhythm that naturally guides the eye upward. They’ve become one of Wells’ defining features and a striking example of how necessity can lead to beauty.

I took this image in the soft morning light, just as the sun began to warm the pale stone and bring a golden glow to the vaults. I exposed carefully to preserve the highlights, then in post-processing used subtle colour grading to enhance the warmth. In Photoshop, I applied a warm gradient and a touch of diffusion to add gentle glow—enough to convey the stillness and light that fill the space.

The result is more than an architectural study. It’s a fine art photograph that captures the hush of the cathedral, the elegance of its lines, and the warmth of its light—a moment of quiet power in one of Somerset’s greatest treasures.