Church of St Brandon, Brancepeth, County Durham
Address
Church of St Brandon, Brancepeth, County Durham DH7 8DFTheme
Overview
There are a number of artists who have contributed to this website through their individual selections of 10 fine examples of British stained glass. While all naturally refrained from recommending their own work in the 10 selected, they have been asked to choose a window of their own that they feel reflects their personal work. This is Helen Whittaker’s selection.
Highlight
East window - the ‘Paradise Window’Artist, maker and date
Designed by Helen Whittaker and made at Barley Studio, 2014Reason for highlighting
The ‘Paradise Window’ remains one of my favourite commissions. My bold design depicting the native flowers of the Canary Islands is a symbolic celebration of St Brandon’s voyage to far-off lands in search of the Garden of Eden.
My design reconciles the competing views of parishioners, some of whom wanted to create a focal point for worship while others wished to maintain a view of the landscape beyond the window. The window sits well in its modern architectural setting, creating the illusion of an intricate stone fretwork through which the viewer is offered a glimpse of the Garden of Eden.
The ‘Paradise Window’ is striking, colourful, simple but symbolic and layered with meaning. It provides a focus for spiritual reflection and devotion, while also being accessible to all who enter the church. Combining traditional techniques with a contemporary approach, I hope that it will prove to be timeless.
Artist/maker notes
Helen Whittaker (b.1974) is a renowned artist and designer, highly regarded for her new stained glass windows and architectural sculpture in glass and copper.
Helen’s aim is to engage the viewer through good design and craftsmanship, creating energy and movement intertwining contemporary and traditional elements. Her designs are inspired by the client, the brief and the building, whether housed in historic or modern buildings, in ecclesiastical or secular contexts.
Helen is the Creative Director at the highly acclaimed Barley Studio in York, heading the multi-skilled team alongside Managing Director Keith Barley MBE.
Further information: Helen Whittaker Art
Barley Studio was established by Keith Barley MBE in 1973, and has an international reputation for excellence in stained glass creation and conservation for cathedrals, stately homes, parish churches and prestigious secular buildings across the UK and beyond.
Source: Barley Studio website