Church of St Peter, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
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Church of St Peter, Church St, Carmarthen SA31 1GWRecommended by
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The Desert Shall Rejoice and Bloom, north wall of the chancel and Tree of Life, South Wall of South AisleArtist, maker and date
John Petts, 1979 and 1987Reason for highlighting
In this double-naved medieval church you will find two windows by John Petts who uses gold pink, which I love.
His windows are generally surface-rich yet with a light feeling, heavy on symbolism and graphic leadline with a recognisably modern palette of colours. I love them mainly because they are at once both joyful and sincere- a heady combination in spiritual art for me. The Tree of Life, 1987, offers increasing layers of decorative mark making and interest whilst having a strong graphic quality overall that is completely his own.
The earlier ‘Desert Shall Rejoice and Blossom’ window in the north wall of the chancel from 1979 is perhaps less architecturally successful but nonetheless a clear use of personal iconographic language while staying rooted in two-dimensionality.
The real joy is moving closer and discovering the delicate and scintillating patterns and mark-making that Petts uses in both to modulate the light and add richness.
Artist/maker notes
John Petts (1914-91) is known for his engravings and stained glass. He was born in London and studied at the Royal Academy Schools and the Central School of Arts and Crafts, but soon after moved to Wales.
Sources:
John Petts entry on Wikipedia
Alison Smith, ‘Light, Colour and the Bible: The Stained Glass Windows of John Petts (1914-91)’ (Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2010)
Other comments
For a bonus: Pop down the road for a cuppa or pint in the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel and see the Gorsedd Window also by John Petts which is choc-a-block with the most fabulous old Welsh sayings.
Further reading:
Stained Glass in Wales – St Peter, Carmathen
Stained Glass at the Church of St Peter, Carmarthen by Martin Crampin (Aberystwyth: Sulien Books, 2018)