British artist, renowned for Pre-Raphaelite style, transitioned from depicting 'slender, youthful females' to crafting intricate stained glass designs, leaving behind some of the finest examples in the UK.
In the picturesque town of Staveley, Cumbria, the East Window at St James's Church stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance of the Pre-Raphaelite era. This magnificent stained-glass window, rising behind the altar, was designed by the renowned artist Edward Burne-Jones in 1881, against the backdrop of industrialization.
Edward Burne-Jones, a self-taught artist who later became the chief stained-glass designer for Morris & Co., created the captivating East Window. Known for his graceful figures and rich, arresting compositions, Burne-Jones imbued the window with an enormously beautiful effect that continues to captivate visitors today.
The East Window features depictions of the Crucifixion and Ascension, with six angels playing musical instruments. The rich blue glass of the window makes the central figure of the crucified Christ seem more radiant, adding an ethereal quality to the scene. The angels, dressed in blue gowns, play mandolins and harps, their delicate movements adding a melodic dimension to the overall composition.
James Hughes, the director of the Victorian Society, played a significant role in organising the installation of these East Windows at St James's Church. His dedication to preserving and showcasing the artistic heritage of the Victorian era has resulted in the public's continued appreciation of such masterpieces.
James McNeill Whistler, an American artist known for turning art upside down and causing controversy, was a contemporary of Burne-Jones. Whistler sought parallels between music and painting, and his combative character made him a dashing figure in the art world of the time.
Meanwhile, in London, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in Covent Garden has been restored, returning one of the most complete Regency interiors in the city to its former glory. The National Portrait Gallery also hosts a new exhibition, 'The Pre-Raphaelite Sisters', revealing the creative role of women in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Charlotte Mullins, an art critic, writer, and broadcaster, has a book titled The Art Isles set to be published by Yale University Press in October 2025.
Despite the absence of information regarding Gatewick or the removal of a 150-year-old stained-glass masterpiece from a British cathedral, the East Window at St James's Church in Staveley, Cumbria serves as a reminder of the artistic prowess of the Pre-Raphaelite era and the continued importance of preserving such cultural treasures.
