|
 Question: I enjoy walking through cemeteries. In old cemeteries, I see the most unusual benches that appear to be memorials. Can you tell me more about these memorials?
Answer: Thanks for writing. You are referring to the exedrae. McNeel displayed this beautiful memorial on page 204 of its classic treatise, “The Greatest Name in Stonecraft.”
Display Dimensions:
McNeel gave illustrated dimensions as follows:
Burnes
Page 204
|
Length x Width x Height
3-8 x 1-0 x 3-0
2-10 x 1-4 x 0-3
3-4 x 0-8 x 1-2
11-4 x 2-0 x 0-6 |
Tablet
2 Seats
2 Seat Rests
1 Base |
|
To interpret the model dimensions, the sample tablet is 3 feet 8 inches long, 1 foot wide, 3 feet tall. Two seats are 2 feet 10 inches long, 1 foot 4 inches wide, and 3 inches tall. The two seat rests are 3 feet 4 inches long, 8 inches wide and 1 foot 2 inches tall. The base is 11 feet 4 inches long, 2 feet wide and 6 inches tall. As with all designs, this memorial can be sized smaller or larger according to your needs.
Style
McNeel describes the symbolism of the Burnes’ Exedrae by stating, “The seats on each side of the Tablet stone give a feeling of unity and stability. The consoles on the top corners show Classic influence.”
Stylistically, the Burnes’ Exedrae has a flat top with scrolls on the ends. The front has vertical flutes or grooves for decoration. The ends of the benches have a double taper.
Epitaph
The epitaph, “There never was a night that had no morn” is inspirational and comforting to grieving relatives.
The next time you are visiting a cemetery, look for benches, and perhaps you will see an exedrae. As I have said before, take a photograph, and email a digital photograph with your comments about the cemetery and the monument of interest. I always enjoy hearing from my readers. If I use your photograph and comments in a future article, you will receive a nice gift in appreciation for your efforts.
|
