The Charnel House, Spitalfields, London E1
Address
Spitalfields Market, Bishops Square, Brushfield Street, London E1 6ANTheme
Overview
There are a number of artists who have contributed to this website through their individual selections of 10 fine examples of British stained glass. While all naturally refrained from recommending their own work in the 10 selected, they have been asked to choose a window of their own that they feel reflects their personal work. This is Martin Donlin’s selection.
Highlight
Seven tempered and laminated glass panels digitally printedArtist, maker and date
Martin Donlin, 2007Reason for highlighting
The Norman Foster development at Spitalfields has preserved the original Charnel House with glazed views from above and below ground. I worked with the writer and London historian Tony De Jasay on an account of the area’s history and etched this text into the glass panels. The “Lancet” formed glass panel designs are a direct response to the text. The glass has then been bolted to the granite walls.
Artist/maker notes
Martin Donlin (b.1959) completed an art foundation course in Rochester, Kent and studied Architectural Stained Glass in Swansea, South Wales from 1984 to 1987.
Martin creates glass artworks on both a large and a small scale, for both sacred and secular locations. Commissions have ranged from substantial busy public buildings to small spaces for prayer and reflection.
The majority of the projects he produces are intended to work on a variety of levels, with bold images for impact yet containing small intricate details to be seen close up. His intention is to create artworks that are welcoming and accessible and do not alienate visitors or locals, but have a sensitivity and relevance to their environment. They are usually a direct response to the architecture and surroundings.
Further information: Martin Donlin website
Comments by
Martin Donlin