Hexham Abbey, Hexham, Northumberland
Address
Hexham Abbey, Beaumont St, Hexham NE46 3NBRecommended by
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Three lancet windows in the upper south transept - ‘Hospitality’: The Tyrrell windowsArtist, maker and date
Alan Davis, 2012Reason for highlighting
The three lancet windows are set high in the South Transept of this 12th century abbey, the origins of which go back to AD 674. The windows are opposite the ‘Night Stair’ from which the monks descended from the dormitory for night time services.
The semi-abstract design links the three openings with a flow of intense colour, the connection enhanced by three circles at about the same height. Alan uses traditional techniques, involving acid etching, painting, staining and leading, so it is easy to see how together they give the impression of unity and hospitality, for which the Abbey was famous. Details emerge such as the Communion chalice in the centre lancet bringing focus to the theme of unity and the Early Church. The theme of the left lancet is spiritual help, that of the right lancet is hospitality to strangers.
Artist/maker notes
Alan Davis graduated from the University of Sunderland with a first class degree in art & design specialising in architectural glass art in 1997 and began working as a professional glass artist. His work can be found in churches and cathedrals across the country, as well as in private buildings.
Davis’s work is greatly influenced by the textural qualities found in nature or the natural erosion of manmade structures and objects. His personal work leans towards the slightly surreal or semi abstract aspect.
Source: Alan Davis website
Other comments
There is stained glass by a number of other studios in the Abbey. Of particular interest is the work of Henry Thomas Bosdet (1856 – 1934).
He created five windows for the Abbey: The Great East Window: six windows in the East Wall (1905), Dean Farrar Memorial Window (1906), James and Sarah Fairless Memorial Window (1908), Baptistry Tracery (1908), Great West Window: Charles Henderson Memorial Window (1917)
Henry Bosdet was a Jersey-born artist whose main oeuvre of over thirty stained glass windows can be seen in churches, chapels and private houses in Jersey itself. However, between 1898 – 1920 Bosdet worked for himself in London, where he designed and executed the windows for Hexham Abbey.
Hexham Abbey – stained glass windows