Clifton Roman Catholic Cathedral, Bristol
Address
The Cathedral Church of Saints Peter & Paul, Clifton Park, Bristol, BS8 3BXTheme
Overview
This brutalist style cathedral was designed by Ron Weeks of the Percy Thomas Partnership, with input from the Vatican, and completed in 1973. Its minimalist design provides the backdrop for two large, colourful stained glass windows, made in dalle de verre.
Highlight
Narthex dalle de verre windowsArtist, maker and date
Henry Haig, 1972-3Reason for highlighting
Dalle de verre windows, made from large chunks of glass set in cement or epoxy resin, seems the perfect choice for this brutalist building, providing a space that is full of colour and drama, and at the same time complimentary to the wider aesthetic.
Haig’s windows in total contain 8000 pieces of glass. The designs are abstract but express the emotion of their subject. The larger depicts “Pentecost” and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the smaller one “Jubilation” and the growing awareness of the presence of God’s Spirit, as expressed in the sense of happiness or freedom that may be experienced on an open beach where earth, sky and sea meet and intermingle.
Artist/maker notes
Henry Haig (1930-2007) was introduced to Wimbledon School of Art by a school teacher, who recognised his talent. After the war and National Service, he studied at the Royal College of Art under Lawrence Lee, before establishing his own studio. His work is symbolic and abstract, always working to bring a deeper understanding from the interplay of light and glass.
Source and further reading: Henry Haig on Wikipedia
Comments by
Peter Hildebrand