Lachab, Eleanor
Stevens Competition Commission Winner 2009
Eleanor Lachab has been interested in and fascinated by glass since attending church as a child. Her first interaction with the medium was whilst undertaking a BA in Public Art at Chelsea School of Art and Design. After achieving a 1st Eleanor moved to Bristol to work for the prolific Roy Coomber FMGP (1930-2016) who gave her a good grounding in the creation of stained glass windows.
Wanting to pursue her interest further Eleanor began an MA in Architectural Glass at the University of Sunderland, where she entered the Stevens Competition in 2009. The challenge was to design a window for the Catholic Charity, Missio. She was delighted to win the commission, and this led to further opportunities – such as a set of windows for a chapel in Lourdes. Eleanor continues to create stained glass windows from her studio near Bristol.
Stevens Competition Commission 2009 – Staircase Window, Pontifical Mission Societies’ London Headquarters
Eleanor Lachab write, “The 2009 Steven Competition challenge was to design a window for the Missio Head Quarters in London.
The cross is the greatest symbol of God’s love for us; the sacrifice of His Son. Used as the basis of this design, the cross reaches out through the length and breadth of the window. It is not contained within the frame, but appears to continue out into the world.
The fishing net hung over the cross, held up by crucifixion nails, is symbolic in two ways: The first is in reference to the disciples of Jesus being fishers of men. As Missio spreads God’s word around the world it continues to respond to His spiritual calling. The second represents people’s daily need for sustenance, material as well as spiritual. Missio provides practical assistance for their missionaries, enabling them to provide for themselves and their community.
In refurbishing their London building Missio has made a bold statement about its desire to continue to be a dynamic force for God. Ultimately this design reflects the vitality and vibrancy of Missio as it continues to work for the Holy Spirit, fishing for people. “
The Worshipful Company of Glaziers and the Stevens Competition
The Worshipful Company of Glaziers was founded in 1328 and remains dedicated to the art and craft of stained glass. In recent times the emphasis has moved from the protection of the personal economic welfare of Glaziers to the preservation of the heritage of stained glass and the support of continuing high standards.
A key part of this work has been the annual competition for young artists, which began in 1932 and which, since 1972, has operated under the banner of the Stevens Competition, the premier competition for stained glass artists in the UK.