Abstract

‘And the New Jerusalem has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the Glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.’ Rev 21:23-24

‘Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.’ Psalm 119:105

‘The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it’. John 1:5

The design for this window is inspired by the above Bible quotes. The intention was to bring light, representing the Word, into the church. The light acts both metaphorically and physically as a guide to lead us out of the darkness.

The design spreads across the three lancet windows, in two sweeping arcs to the left and right focusing the eye on the cross in the centre panel. Pure coloured glass was used in a range of tones of blue. Most of which is transparent, transmitting more of the light through it.

Concentrated light is also introduced using glass prisms. These are evenly spaced to make a rhythmic pathway, arcing upwards, leading the eye to the central cross and the lightest part of the design. The prisms are made of hot cast glass and ‘hold’ the light. On occasion they refract the light to produce a rainbow of colour onto the surrounding area.

The panels are cut through with clear ‘reamy’ (hand textured) glass in contrast with the blue, directing the viewer’s eye upwards. The centre of the middle panel is made in opal and clear ‘reamy’ glass and the central cross is also made from hot cast glass. The intensity of light this brings illuminates the area of the church around the window.