One of the entertaining aspects of religious practice in the olden days was the opportunity for churchgoers to view scenes of cruelty, nakedness and depravity in the form of The Last Judgement. Artists through the ages have had fun turning theology into visions of hell in which those who stray from the paths of righteousness receive their proper punishment. And the righteous can enjoy the spectacle.

There’s a particularly raucous scene of punishment in Albi Cathedral; facing the rows of pews are two enormous frescoes with, on high, the angels, the disciples and all the Good while, way below, bare-bottomed sinners get a jolly good seeing-to from a gang of bestial demons.

Here’s an entertaining 10 minute film with special effects, some made by wobbling pieces of cardboard and sprinkling stars. There’s also a contribution from The Midshipman Glee Club.

Working drawing:

This glass-domed model pales beside the wonderfully atrocious masterpieces of the 15th century but it does have an uncharacteristically spiteful message on a label attached to the side of its box.

Paul Spooner, 2026

Height: 25 cm
Width: 12 cm (15 cm inc. handle)
Depth: 12 cm

One Only

Packed in two parts. Put the glass dome over the box taking care to get all the arms etc. inside. While the glass is off the positions of the figures can be arranged for best effect.