Oscar Paterson, window (1897), Crichton Memorial Church, Dumfries.

Photo: Mike Bolam Photography for The Crichton Trust

Oscar Paterson, detail of window (1897), Crichton Memorial Church, Dumfries.

Photo: Mike Bolam Photography for The Crichton Trust

Crichton Memorial Church, Dumfries

Address

Crichton Memorial Church, The Crichton, Dumfries DG1 4UQ

Highlight

Complete scheme

Artist, maker and date

Oscar Paterson of the Glass Stainers Company, 1897

Reason for highlighting

Exceptional use of minimal glass painting and complex leadwork to give figurative leaded lights.

Other comments

The cathedral-style Crichton Memorial Church is the focal point of the 85 acre estate, and was designed by Edinburgh architect Sydney Mitchell, 1890-97. The Church features a nave, chancel, transepts and a 123 feet high square tower over the crossing.

Artist/maker notes

Oscar Paterson (1863 – 1934) was born in Glasgow, where he established his studio in 1889. A deep knowledge of glassmaking and a willingness to experiment helped him to build a reputation and standing that, at the time, eclipsed many larger local rivals. While many of his windows use strong colours, he also worked, as here, with the minimal use of paint, which allowed the lead lines to dominate. His most significant commission after World War One was for a complete scheme of stained glass for St Magnus Cathedral. The studio closed in 1931.

Significant amongst Paterson’s colleagues were Harry Thomson, with whom Paterson formed the Glass Stainers Company in 1893, and John Stark Melville, his longest serving assistant, who later emigrated to America, where he joined Tiffany & Co in 1913.

Source: Scotland’s Stained Glass Making the colours sing by Michael Donnelly (Historic Scotland, 1977)

Highlighted dates at this location

1897 (Go to date search)

All artists mentioned at this location

Paterson, Oscar