Dove of Peace against a bright blue sky in Stained Glass.
All Saints Church, Pavement, York, Yorkshire
“Dove of Peace”
Detail of Afghanistan Memorial window. Helen Whittaker. 2015
#StainedGlassSunday #HelenWhittaker
You’re welcome.
This a wonderful window.
If you are interested I have posted more Helen Whittaker windows with the # - #HelenWhittaker
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The window has seals, fish & Eider Ducks linked to the story of St Cuthbert, together with a Zoomorphic image inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels. The artist, Helen Whittaker used details from the book 'Cuthbert and the Animals 'by John Mc Manners. “Cuddy's Ducks. The island is renowned for its numbers of Eider Ducks. They became known as Cuddy's Ducks, after St Cuthbert and are still called that today. It is said that Cuthbert was very fond of birds and he set out rules for their protection during the nesting season making the first bird sanctuary in Britain. He was particularly fond of the seemingly fairly tame Eider Ducks, one of which was said to have nested in his cell.”
Yes, there are “Cuddy’s Ducks” in the window, as well as a Zoomorphic image inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels.
See ALT text.
“St Cuthbert” window (2020)
#HelenWhittaker
St Cuthbert’s Church, Crayke, North #Yorkshire
#StainedGlassSunday
Zoomorphic image & knotwork inspired by Lindisfarne Gospels.
Great, you could divert off A1 (Great North Road) around York to get there.
It is a simple church, but worth visiting for this window & for great view from the churchyard.
“St Cuthbert” window (2020)
#HelenWhittaker
Crayke, North #Yorkshire
Zoomorphic image inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels.
The window drew inspiration from the book 'Cuthbert and the Animals 'by John Mc Manners & the Lindisfarne Gospels. So two otters link to “The Tale of the Affectionate Sea Otters” who were reputed to have warmed and dried Cuthbert's feet after a night of him meditating and praying whilst standing in the sea. The Celtic knotwork border is influenced by designs in the Lindisfarne Gospels.
St Cuthbert’s Church, Crayke, North #Yorkshire
“St Cuthbert” window (2020)
#HelenWhittaker
The detail shows the Tale of the Affectionate Sea Otters who were reputed to have warmed & dried Cuthbert's feet after a night of him meditating & praying whilst standing in the sea.
#StainedGlassSunday
👀 #Beverley Minster #Yorkshire
Copper candleholder.
The 3rd of the 4 components of the
“Pilgrimage” installation (2004)
#HelenWhittaker
The “Pilgrim” can choose to light a candle, sit in meditation &/or contemplate the window.
(Click separate posts 👇 for images)
#IronworkThursday
A detail from the stained glass window of a sailing ship cutting through the waves. Together with an open book with “Now voyager sail thou forth to seek and find” by Walt Whitman.
“Now voyager sail thou forth to seek and find” - Walt Whitman
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.
I posted this twelve months ago & it still seems an appropriate message as we “voyage” into 2026.
Detail from a #HelenWhittaker window - #Wetheringsett-cum-Brockford, #Suffolk
👀 #Beverley Minster #Yorkshire
3 of the components of the
“Pilgrimage” installation (2004)
#HelenWhittaker
The stonework of the retro-choir frames the Oak benches & kneelers. The candle holder is lit by the shadows of the stained glass window.
#WallsOnWednesday
#Woodensday
#WoodcarvingWednesday
Abstract design in bright shards of glass.
👀 #Beverley Minster #Yorkshire
“Pilgrimage” (2004)
#HelenWhittaker
The abstract design leads the eye to “God the Creator” in the centre with zig-zag pathways leading the “Pilgrim” onward.
The 1st of 4 components on the theme of “Pilgrimage”.
#StainedGlassSunday
Oak benches & kneelers, shaped to fit into the retro-quire.
Close-up of oak benches & kneelers.
The shadows from the stained glass, link to the candle stand & the oak kneelers.
👀 #Beverley Minster #Yorkshire
Oak benches & kneelers.
“Pilgrimage” (2004)
#HelenWhittaker
This was the medieval site of the tomb of St John of Beverley. So the brief was to create a 2004 interpretation on the theme of 12th Century “Pilgrimage”.
#Woodensday
#WoodcarvingWednesday
Detail of the abstract central part of the window.
Absolutely agree Peter.
The way in which the abstract figures of pilgrims seem to zig-zag towards the central “God the Creator” is so dramatic.
Amazing it is only one part of the “Pilgrimage” installation.
👀 #Beverley Minster #Yorkshire
“Pilgrimage” (2004)
#HelenWhittaker
#StainedGlassSunday
“The window is in the 13th century single lancet opening of the south wall and adjacent to the elaborate medieval Great East Window. It is 21ft high and has a bold and largely abstract design. The colour palette is broad: cold blues and whites are situated at the top and bottom of the window and are counter- balanced by burning reds, golds and yellows in the upper central section.” - Helen Whittaker’s description.
Yes, there is so much work in selecting the right texture/colour of glass & cutting it to match the cartoon. Then also in the painting of the glass. See ALT text.
👀 #Beverley Minster #Yorkshire
“Pilgrimage” (2004)
#HelenWhittaker
#StainedGlassSunday
The designer, Helen Whittaker’s description - “Much of the glass has been painted to add an extra layer of texture and pattern to the design, but this patterning gradually diminishes towards the centre of the window creating a sense of serenity in the middle of a vortex. The design draws the viewer's eye along the flowing forms of patterning at a gentle pace, with no sense of disjuncture or finality. Withir the rhythm of lines one gradually discerns the figures of pilgrims (created from the juxtaposition of geometric shapes) travelling towards the golden glow at the centre. At the lower edge of the glow a group of pilgrims have been transformed into white light with only the barest of detail forming the outline of their shapes.”
👀 #Beverley Minster #Yorkshire
“Pilgrimage” (2004)
#HelenWhittaker
Yes, although at first sight it looks straight forward, a lot of thought has gone into the design, selection & painting of glass.
See ALT text for Helen Whittaker’s description.
#StainedGlassSunday
A dove representing the Holy Spirit.
The design is built around the text 'Some fell into good soil which is represented by the ripe crop of barley. This central image expands into a variety of widths of lead calmes that complement the text in a spiral like motion. The five words of the text dominate the design and are placed strategically and significantly to encourage a greater understanding of their meaning. Some faces upwards towards the apex of the window - not all are chosen. Fell - topples towards the ground - neither in one realm or another. Into - our place here on, and part of, the earth. Good - recognizes the fertility of the soil. Soil - represents the medium for growth - both physical and spiritual Helen Whittaker 2009
“Some fell into good soil” window (details)
#HelenWhittaker 2010
St Mary’s Church, #Lockington #Yorkshire
Inspired by the Parable of the Sower - the soil represents the heart & mind of the human being. The dove the Holy Spirit.
Details in ALT text
#StainedGlassSunday
Amazing!
The window was commissioned by Dean of Westminster (Dr John Hall) in 2016 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
The intention was it should be recognisably Hockney & would be stylistically different from other windows.
Created in collaboration with #HelenWhittaker & #BarleyStudio
In a different context from woodworkers, but illustrating how modern fine craft workers can be involved in renovation, but also can produce outstanding new pieces of art. This a #HelenWhittaker of Barley Studio window of 2015.
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A bottle glass window casts a shadow, the walls are solid & smooth, the knots are visible in the ceiling timbers. An amazing etching by Dürer.
500 years apart!
St Jerome in his study. (detail)
#AlbrechtDürer 1514
This morning I posted a modern #HelenWhittaker stained glass window. 2015
I end the day with a Dürer etching five centuries older!!
Just look at those bottle glass windows, shadows & wood grain.
#FitzwilliamMuseum #Cambridge
Yes, the colours are amazing.
#HelenWhittaker was also inspired by a 12th Century reliquary, Becket’s coat of arms & the countryside around Greatford.
As you say - a mixture old & new.
This is a link to details about Becket’s clothing 👇
www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2012/05/12th...
Illustration of watercress
Green shadow cast by the watercress illustration.
The watercress was also casting a lovely shadow. #HelenWhittaker aims to reference the local area in her windows. This plant grows in the river valley.
St Thomas of Canterbury Church, #Greatford #Lincolnshire
Becket window - 2015
#StainedGlassSunday
The “apparel of the amice” design with four petal flowers & crosses between.
It is stunning.
This is what the whole section of the window based on the “apparel of the amice” is like.
The original amice worn by Becket is in #Sens Cathedral, France
St Thomas of Canterbury Church, #Greatford #Lincolnshire
#StThomasBecket (2015) window by #HelenWhittaker
#StainedGlassSunday
The pattern of the “apparel of the amice (clerical hood) worn by Becket divides the window. The “heavenly” realm above (with stars) from the “earthly” realm below. The design has large four petal flowers with cross shapes between.
St Thomas of Canterbury Church, #Greatford #Lincolnshire
Beautiful #shadows - #StThomasBecket (2015) window by #HelenWhittaker.
This detail is based on the “apparel of the amice (clerical hood) worn by Becket. Now in #Sens Cathedral, France.
#StainedGlassSunday
Helen Whittaker pointing to and explaining her window.
Merchant Taylors’ Hall, #York #Yorkshire
The stained glass artist, #HelenWhittaker explaining about her 2016 window
The Arms of the Merchant Taylors, together with swirling cloth, needle & thread
So privileged to be there for a #BarleyStudio book launch
#WindowsOnWednesday #StainedGlassSunday
Saint Luke paints the Virgin & Child. “The figure of Saint Luke, physician and painter, was chosen to represent the idea of healing as a work of renewal and creativity.” - Helen Whittaker
“The celebrated medical and religious figures are, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (pioneer of women's medicine), Alexander Fleming (discoverer of penicillin), Saint Basil (founder of the first Christian hospital) and abbess Hildegard of Bingen (authoress of a treatise on natural medicine and healing, and a significant creative artist).” - Helen Whittaker.
St Wilfrid’s Church, #KirbyKnowle #Yorkshire
Memorial window to a much loved local doctor.
By #HelenWhittaker 2014
St Luke, physician & painter, paints the Virgin & Child.
Behind is an open door, beyond which, portraits of key medical figures can be seen
Details in ALT text
#StainedGlassSunday
The background is blue, but green predominates with the open olive stone & leaves. Flowers are of white & yellow.
👀 #Selby Abbey #Yorkshire
“The Gethsemane Window” (2024)
#HelenWhittaker
Beneath olive trees, is an opened olive with the cross of sacrifice within. Winter jasmine & three flowering lilies signal the coming of spring.
#StainedGlassSunday
Fascinating.
#HelenWhittaker was responding to the congregations interest in a Christian’s journey through life. Also that a former rector had an “interest” in exploration. There is in fact a Hakluyt Society.
“Now voyager sail thou forth to seek and find” - Walt Whitman
An appropriate message as we “voyage” into 2025.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.
Detail from a #HelenWhittaker window - #Wetheringsett-cum-Brockford, #Suffolk
Ah yes, we say so much about the new designs of #HelenWhittaker, but Keith Barley & Barley Studios are renowned for their conservation work.
That is a whole other area of discussion.
Yes, indeed.
We also called into the chapel at Highgate Cemetery to view a 2012 window by #HelenWhittaker. An interesting comparison.
Yes, it would be very interesting to read about how the colours are selected & also the different techniques used to achieve the range of effects. 🤔
We particularly enjoy finding #HelenWhittaker windows. A new one is in the offing for St Michael Le Belfrey, York.
Yes, it certainly does Mark.
I particularly liked the overall design by #HelenWhittaker for the Hope Window, but also her choice of glass.
Such a range of intense colours with different textures & the use of gold/silver gilding.
#StainedGlassSunday -
St Michael’s Church, #Highgate #London
