St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee, Angus
Address
Cathedral Church of St Paul, 1 High Street, Dundee DD1 1TDOverview
A classic Victorian church in Decorated Gothic style by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The church opened in 1855, but in was 10 years’ later before funds allowed for stained glass. The best glass is by Hardman of Birmingham in bright, clear colours.
Highlight
Nativity window in the east wall of the Lady ChapelArtist, maker and date
Hardman & Co., 1860sReason for highlighting
This is a good example of Hardman’s work in the cathedral and a window that can be enjoyed at close quarters. Note the elegant curve to the shape of the Virgin Mary, which has an unusual appeal.
Artist/maker notes
Hardman & Co. was founded in 1838 to manufacture ecclesiastical metal work to the designs of AWN Pugin (1812-52), who encouraged the firm’s expansion into stained glass in 1845. Pugin acted as its chief designer until his death, when he was succeeded by his nephew John Hardman Powell.
John Hardman Powell (1827-95) a deeply religious Roman Catholic, was trained as an apprentice by Pugin. A rare privilege given Pugin’s reluctance to employ clerks or take on pupils. The Hardman firm continued to flourish under his leadership, due in part to the individual attention given to commissions and the originality of each design, a contrast to other firms that would often reuse designs numerous times.
Sources:
Hardman of Birmingham, Goldsmith and Glasspainter by Michael Fisher (Landmark Publishing, 2008)
The Stained Glass of John Hardman and Company under the leadership of John Hardman Powell from 1867 to 1895 by Mathé Shepheard, which can be downloaded as a 3 volume PDF Hardman Powell PDF
Comments by
Iain Galbraith and Peter Hildebrand