The Cloisters of Iona Abbey – The Cloisters of Iona Abbey

A collection of photographs depicting the carvings of the restored cloisters, with text reflecting on the meaning of each design and information about the flora and fauna of the Isle of Iona and beyond which most of the carvings represent. This use of symbols from the natural world reflects the close links of the early Celtic Christians with the land around them. Ewan Mathers, a frequent visitor to Iona since childhood, observed the newly rebuilt cloisters being transformed over thirty years from rough pillars of sandstone to a complete, unified work of art. From his own obsession with the carvings and conversations with their main creator, Chris Hall, has emerged the concept of cloisters as a labyrinth, the winding circular pathway of ancient mythology, the purpose of which was to effect a change of consciousness.Ewan Mathers