Rochester Cathedral, Kent

Address

Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Precinct, Rochester ME1 1SW

Theme

Anglican Cathedrals in England (43)

Comments by

Peter Hildebrand

Overview

The cathedral is known for its Victorian and early 20th century stained glass, which was made by a number of the most well-known firms. There is particularly emphasis on the work of Clayton & Bell, in the main body of the church, while in the Lady Chapel the windows are attributed to Burlison and Grylls, 1910-18. In a very different style are two two-light windows by Ninian Comper, 1911, behind the tomb of Bishop Walter de Merton.

Highlight

The three lower lancet windows in the north wall of the north transept

Artist, maker and date

Clayton & Bell, 1859

Reason for highlighting

This is fine early example of the work of Clayton & Bell. The designs were based on 12th century originals.

Artist/maker notes

Clayton & Bell is one of the best known and most prolific studios of the Victorian Age. The original partners, John Richard Clayton (1827-1913) and Alfred Bell (1832-95), were encouraged into business by Sir George Gilbert Scott, who would go on to use the studio for numerous commissions.

While the output of the firm would become prodigious, it also affected the development of stained glass through the significant number of artists, who spent time with the firm, including Charles Eamer Kempe, John Burlison, Thomas Grylls, and Robert Bayne.

Source: Angels & Icons: Pre-Raphaelite Stained Glass 1850-1870 by William Waters (Seraphim Press Ltd 2012)

Highlighted dates at this location

1859 (Go to date search)