Synagogue

London’s New West End synagogue is something of a hidden gem. It’s a short walk from the Notting Hill area, but is set back from the main road into the heart of the city.

From the outside, the Victorian red brick building is imposing but largely nondescript, hiding its treasures. You have to venture inside to be truly blown away.

I arranged my visit to the synagogue in advance, and was warmly welcomed by the building’s administrator, who switched on all the lights and showed me inside. I had the entire space to myself, and was left to wander around at will with my camera. This included the upper gallery, usually reserved for female worshippers.

Quite simply, it’s magnificent. Lofty in dimensions and opulently decorated with gold leaf and beautiful stained glass windows. This is a majestic example of architecture when standing empty and no doubt an inspiring space when used for religious ceremony. It’s probably best to let the images do the work.

Click first image to launch the gallery

Tags: architecture, gold leaf, Hebrew, Jewish, Judaism, London, majestic, New West End Synagogue, opulent building, photography, religion, synagogue

12 thoughts on “Synagogue”

John on December 16, 2013 at 05:53 said:

Beautiful images, Mike….

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 16, 2013 at 19:30 said:
  
  Thank you very much, John. The building did much of the work!
  
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Cos on December 15, 2013 at 18:23 said:

Wow! Beautiful photos and beautiful Synagogue! Thank you for sharing these great pictures, Mike!

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 15, 2013 at 18:57 said:
  
  Thanks very much, Koos :-) The pleasure was all mine, wandering around this great building on my own!
  
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Bella Remy Photography on December 15, 2013 at 14:16 said:

What a beautiful Synagogue. I would almost said church because of all of the wonderful stained glass. Great post.

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 15, 2013 at 15:56 said:
  
  Thank you very much Emily, it was a very enjoyable visit. Yes, plenty of stained glass, but no human depictions, like Islam. Food for thought there…
  
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ckponderings on December 15, 2013 at 10:09 said:

Great images, Mike; I love the rich colours! :D

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- mikeosbornphoto on December 15, 2013 at 10:16 said:
  
  Thank you Richard. It was pure pleasure. The upper roof area was quite plain and simple in comparison.
  
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  - ckponderings on December 15, 2013 at 10:20 said:
    
    It’s the same in Westminster Cathedral (I know I’m banging on about this place!) – up to around 25ft it’s all glitz and glamour, above that it’s plain brick.
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on December 15, 2013 at 10:23 said:
      
      Now that’s on my hit list, so to speak. You may have noticed that I’m collecting all the faiths…
      
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      - ckponderings on December 15, 2013 at 10:40 said:
        
        I love the sense of calmness and spirituality you get in churches, although I’m not religious myself. I’ve never had the opportunity to visit a synagogue, and have only been in one mosque, though I’d love to explore more. (I don’t know where to start, I guess… I feel conspicuous entering, out of my depth.)
        
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        mikeosbornphoto on December 15, 2013 at 11:24 said:
        
        I feel exactly the same, Richard. The buildings are my love, but I can see how their purpose led to their creation. The mosque was perhaps a bit daunting just after Friday prayers, but there was anything but hostility.
        
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