JANUS 2

On my first trip to England, I was struck by the variety of doors I encountered in the architectural landscape of small towns, cities and counties, particularly Clitheroe, London, Manchester and Blackburn. What I found intriguing was the presence of centuries-old architecture existing in modern day

life without fanfare. In America I could only encounter these objects in museums. Once I walked through a 14th century gate unimpeded by guards or fees. The landscape was quiet and I was on my own to explore what I later found out were the Whalley Abbey ruins.


I left England inspired to document doors, which are not only of historical interest but are metaphors. In Roman history, the God Janus was the God of doors and doorways and also the God of beginnings, endings, transitions, gates, gateways, and time. Doors function as passageways and transition points

from one place to another in religion, mythology and literature. In practical terms, doors can serve to protect and give peace of mind. They can also symbolize status and modernity’s freedom to express. Most of all, doors as entrances and exits represent an aspect of infinity.