The window was based on the theme of Christ’s Resurrection.
The light coming through the window was extremely strong and, at times, the congregation found the glare unbearable. I decided to make the window using techniques and materials that would help reduce the glare such as sandblasting and opalescent glasses. The window itself is situated in the gallery on the litergical west wall above the main door, and can be viewed at close had from the gallery and from within the body of the church.
Resurrection Window, St Helen’s Church, Barry 2008
The real joy of this window was the challenge of combining expressive, dynamic mark making whilst keeping the coherence of the overall design. These images give a sense of the richness of the window when seen up close and the overall design when seen from a distance.
This window would not have been possible were it not for the help of several people.
Project assistants: Carwyn Phillips, Colin Telford, Marilyn Griffiths, Mac McHugh(Installation), Sonia Hawking, Carolyn Phillips and Alun Adams.
Resurrection Window
Colour and texture combinations- painting, staining and sandblasting on mouthblown, antique glass
Just because…
Detail of textures and colours
Detail of Christ during installation – hence bits of tape on the panel!
Detail of background
Base panel detail
A throw of light onto the window reveal
Top of window detail- enamels, stain and glass paint onto ‘flashed’ glass
Memorial text
Christ’s face detail. On opalescent white glass
Resurrection Window
Resurrection Window
On the right, glass. On the left, light on stone. The unknown and best bit!
A well-earned break in the studio! Pictured L to R: Sonia Hawking, Carwyn and Carolyn Phillips
Rachel Phillips painting one of the top ‘hand’ panels in the studio
Rachel Phillips painting on one of the panels- the sandblasted detail that has already been applied.
Just out of the kiln, a piece of glass with silver stain(the terracotta colour) just about to be removed to reveal the transparent yellow colour it produces.
Top section leaded and about to have all the joints soldered.
Carwyn Phillips waterproofing a panel with lead-light cement
Carwyn Phillips and Marilyn Griffiths in the midst of leading up parts of the window.
Looking at one of the finished panels with Marilyn Griffiths, one of the project assistants
‘Crucifixion’ window by Alexander Beleschenko’s. Above the altar, opposite the Resurrection window,
During installation. Note: The wooden rail in front of the window was replaced a glass balastrade
Exterior view during installation- 3 lights in, 2 to go!
Looking down at the base of the window during installation