In 2018, St Stephen’s Church is seeking to raise funds to repair, preserve, conserve and protect its William Morris-designed windows for future generations to enjoy. A total of £85,000 is required for this ambitious initiative, which will be carried out by Holy Wells Glass, a firm that has conducted similar prestigious restoration projects at Winchester, Exeter, Wells and Worcester Cathedrals.
William Morris (1834-1896), the English textile designer, artist and writer, is considered to be one of the most significant cultural figures of Victorian Britain. He was a major contributor to the far-reaching pre-Raphaelite Movement; and through his decorative arts firm, Morris profoundly influenced interior decoration throughout the Victorian period.
One of the firm’s earliest commissions was to produce designs for the stained glass windows of St Stephen’s Church in Guernsey. St Stephen’s, designed by George Frederick Bodley, is a superb example of a Victorian interpretation of Gothic architecture of the early 13th century, with long narrow windows and tall arches. The William Morris-designed stained glass windows at St Stephen’s are judged by art historians to be masterpieces of pre-Raphaelite design; and the church’s magnificent Tree of Jesse stained glass window is unique in the world due its size.
We hope that you will financially support the restoration of the William Morris stained glass windows in Guernsey.
Brochures providing practical information about the way in which your donation may be made can be downloaded below. You can also use the PayPal function here to make a contribution.
Thank you for any support that you can give to this important project!
William Morris Information Brochure – Issue 4
William Morris Repair Brochure – Issue 12
