Christopher Webb, Benedicite window (1959), Church of St Mary, Wirksworth, Derbyshire.

Photo: Jane Brocket

Christopher Webb, detail of Benedicite window (1959), Church of St Mary, Wirksworth, Derbyshire.

Photo: Janes Brocket

Church of St Mary, Wirksworth, Derbyshire

Address

Church of St Mary, St Mary's Gate, Wirksworth, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 4DQ

Recommended by

Jane Brocket (10)

Highlight

Two ‘Benedicite’ windows in the south aisle

Artist, maker and date

Christopher Webb, 1959

Reason for highlighting

An outstanding example of bright, optimistic post-war glass which celebrates everyday life, the seasons, and children’s activities in delightful little scenes. Webb made a number of remarkable post-war ‘Benedicite’ windows, including the church of St George of England, Toddington, Bedfordshire and St Mary’s Church, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Other comments

The church has a fine collection of stained glass by other artists. Of particular note are a richly-coloured Acts of Mercy window designed by T. W. Camm and made by R. W. Winfield & Co. of Birmingham (1883) in the south transept, while in the north transept north is a window by Morris & Co. (1909). The angels were cartooned by William Morris while the rest is by Burne-Jones.

Artist/maker notes

Christopher Rahere Webb (1886-1966) was born into a family of artists. After school he enrolled at the Slade School of Art, before a year in France where he determined his future would be in glass painting. On his return he took articles with Sir Ninian Comper, whose approach chimed with Webb’s outlook. After war service Webb set up a studio in Guildford, before moving to St Albans after his marriage in 1926.

Source: The Stained Glass Windows of Christopher Webb by Henry Hinchcliffe (Mindelph Press). A PDF copy of the book is available

Highlighted dates at this location

1959 (Go to date search)