Bangor Cathedral, Gwynedd
Address
Cathedral Church of St Deiniol, Cathedral Close, Bangor LL57 1LHTheme
Overview
Medieval cathedral church dedicated to St Deiniol. The restoration of the cathedral by George Gilbert Scott precipitated the replacement of David Evans’ east window with new stained glass by Clayton & Bell (1873), and another window (c.1880) by the firm was added to the chancel. A large transept window (1886) was made by Franz Mayer of Munich, and along the north wall of the church are a set of five windows (1911) by James Powell & Sons which make up a Te Deum. A set of windows of different dates by Burlison & Grylls are found along the south wall depict Welsh saints.
For further information see: Stained Glass in Wales – Bangor Cathedral
Highlight
Former east windowArtist, maker and date
David Evans of Betton and Evans, 1840 & 1843Reason for highlighting
Most of the figures by David Evans were reset in windows at the west end of the church, following concerns that their proposed ejection by Gilbert Scott in 1872 was not very long after their installation, as a mark of respect for a dean of the cathedral. Originally commissioned in two stages as funds allowed, they consisted of the four evangelists, Peter and Paul, Aaron, Moses, David and Solomon. The figure of Solomon has been lost.
Artist/maker notes
David Evans (1793-1861) of Betton & Evans was one of the most important artists associated with the revival of stained glass in the pre-Victorian age. He was born in Wales and apprenticed to John Betton in 1808. The two men went into partnership in 1815 as Betton & Evans. Evans retained the name of the firm following the retirement of Betton in 1825. Despite changing fashions Evans retained a pictorial style, as demonstrated in one of his best windows, the east window of St Julian’s church, Shrewsbury, 1861. His sons William (1826-85) and Charles (1828-64) continued to make stained glass as Evans Brothers. The business eventually closed in the 1930s.
Sources:
Stained Glass Marks & Monograms, complied by Joyce Little, and edited by Angela Goedicke & Margaret Washbourn (NADFAS, 2002)
Victorian Stained Glass by Martin Harrison (Barrie & Jenkins, 1980)
The Churches of Shropshire & their treasures by John Leonard (Logaston Press, 2004)
Comments by
Martin Crampin