Keith New, centre panel east window (1962), Church of St Nicholas Cole Abbey, London EC4

Photo: Alexandra Epps

Keith New, detail of south panel east window (1962), Church of St Nicholas Cole Abbey, London EC4

Photo: Peter Hildebrand

Church of St Nicholas Cole Abbey, London EC4

Address

Church of St Nicholas Cole Abbey, 114 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4BJ

Recommended by

Alexandra Epps (10)

Highlight

East window

Artist, maker and date

Keith New, 1962

Reason for highlighting

A striking ‘wall’ of innovative, modern glass depicts Christ’s Kingdom Spreading throughout the World.

Abstract elements connect all three windows with details of landscapes from across the globe at their base. Igloos, tepees and skyscrapers for the Americas, towers and domes for Europe, and minarets and domes for Africa and Asia.

All expressed in bold, dynamic lines, coiled tight as if about to escape from the surface of the window at any moment.

Thought by some to have echoes of the stained glass work of Marc Chagall.

Artist/maker notes

Keith New (1926-2012) was a pioneering British modernist stained glass artist. His career was launched by the 1952 Royal College of Art commission to design the windows for Coventry Cathedral. He is widely recognised as a skilful colourist and innovator in stained glass, particularly in glass appliqué.

Source: Keith New, British Modernist in Stained Glass by Diana Coulter and Robert Smith (Sansom & Company, 2018)

Highlighted dates at this location

1962 (Go to date search)

All artists mentioned at this location

New, Keith