An excerpt from the Diary of Professor Matthias Jeremiah Braithwaite; a Victorian investigator of the paranormal, on his travels around York, a city most haunted.
Dear Diary,
“I shall endeavour to impart to you this intriguing account both of romance and ghostly happenings at The Merchants Adventurers Hall - a most majestic and superbly-preserved building which has long since been the home of commerce and worship within the city. Wealthy merchants would meet within its fine and ancient walls to shake hands on trade deals which would both benefit themselves and bring new and unusual goods to the people of the city …. albeit for a price.
Situated behind the hall in this most beautiful of settings is a nook which was used as a meeting place for lovers whose amour was often frowned upon on account of the different standings of their families. The original ruined windows salvaged from the chapel now form a lovers’ seat for those trapped in the afterlife. Illuminated by the purple light of my clockwork lantern I spied a couple. The young lady I shall name Iris on account of the flower embroidered on her simple shroud. Her partner, whom I shall call Tobias, was a very fine gentleman dressed in an elaborate shroud, possibly medieval, adorned with the finest embroidery and braiding. I deduced from their appearances that this young couple, entwined in a lovers’ embrace, were meeting in secret, their love forbidden on account of his being a wealthy merchant and she a lady of lower standing.
It was not, however, the lovers that piqued my interest, but something rather more fascinating that sparked my scientific curiosity. Above this romantic scene I glimpsed the slightest of movements atop the arches which appeared to be a ghostly cat clinging to the archways like lichen. This animal was curiously different to any of my other ghostly encounters as it looked directly at me, following my every move. I tore a sheet of paper from my journal, screwed it into a ball and then threw it to my side. The cat jerked its head in the direction of the paper ball but remained exactly where it was, continuing to stare at me for some time, seemingly waiting for me to provide it with further entertainment. I found this to be a most interesting encounter, albeit only with an animal, as it was my first real contact with the afterlife. This feline I shall call Moss on account of the way it clung to the archway. I intend to pay it another visit in the coming days and bring with me other items of potential interest to it that might allow me to investigate our interactions further.”
Prof Matthias. J. Braithwaite
Dear Diary,
"What Devilry is this? My sketches and impressions of these unworldly beings have been enchanted by some form of witchcraft. It seems a ghoulish hand has been at work mimicking my own and changing the very nature of my picture. Viewed using a strange light purchased on my adventures in the Far East, an unnatural glow emanates from the very soul of the spirit I have drawn. It is my belief that this light will let me see into this world of spirits beyond our own - it will require much further study and experimentation."
The enchanted edition of the print is larger than other formats - presented in a black mount with outer dimensions 18x14." When viewed under black light, the ghostly image glows. This special effect has been hand painted and signed by the artist.
Two versions of the enchanted edition are available; A Forbidden Love and Ghostly Lights.
Black lights are readily available from many suppliers.
The diary entry, printed on parchment effect paper, is in the reverse.
Also available in smaller sizes in monochrome and colour edition.
© The Artist
