Church of St Mary, Bucklebury, Berkshire
Address
Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, 10 Strand Street, Bucklebury, Berkshire RG7 6PRRecommended by
Highlight
Chancel east window ‘The Crucifixion’Artist, maker and date
Designed by Frank Brangwyn and made by James Sylvester Sparrow, 1912Reason for highlighting
Already one of the most powerful draughtsmen of his age, Brangwyn’s elemental graphic force and theatrical sense of colour are used explosively in this overwhelming three-light window of 1912. It is supported by two single lancets chancel windows and a further three-light Nativity window in the north aisle of 1917. The leading marvellously dramatises effects already present in his paintings and, even more intensely, in his greatest etchings. There is little Brangwyn glass, so treasure it.
Artist/maker notes
Frank Brangwyn RA RWS RBA (1867-1956) was an exceptionally talented artist, who worked across many disciplines, just a few of which were painting (both oils and water colours), print making, illustration, mural painting and stained glass. Remarkably he was largely self-taught, yet by the age of seventeen had had a painting accepted at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Over the rest of his life his output would be prodigious, and he would receive many honours, while remaining outside the art establishment.
Sources:
Frank Brangwyn website
Brangwyn by Liss Llewellyn
James Sylvester Sparrow (1845-1915) was a stained glass artist, who also produced work to the design of other.
Source: Victorian Stained Glass by Martin Harrison (Barrie & Jenkins, 1980)
Other comments
As an enjoyable extra, there is a 16th century sundial in the north aisle. Note the ‘fly’ in the glass.