Stained Glass by fishers

Stained Glass

I'm always drawn to take photos of the stained glass as I look around churches. It is a shame that few churches have much to say about their glass in the church guides that they produce, but there are exceptions, and St Mary's Church at Tadcaster is one of them. As well as a guide specifically about the glass, pages from the guide are reproduced and placed below the windows to be consulted as visitors look round.

I prefer the relatively modest windows like this one, rather than the great expanses of glass in our great cathedrals, and it is always interesting to discover the story behind a window.

This window, made by Adam and Small in 1879 has become known to many as the ‘three ages of womanhood’ since from left to right we seem to have a spinster, a mother with her children and a young woman. But in fact all the women’s faces are of the same age. The real meaning of the window is to be discovered in the inscriptions.

The window is dedicated to the memory of Adelaide Ramsden (who died in 1877) by her husband, Edward. It is a very touching celebration of his wife. The three panes illustrate the virtues of the ideal wife as described in the book of Proverbs.

It is thought the scene is an evening view in autumn, perhaps as a way of marking the passing of his wife by the man who had this glass installed.

This window might lead an observer to think of enduring love. It speaks about relationships that have stood the test of time and personalities mellowing with age. It tells of bereavement, but with thanks for what is passed and for good memories. That reflects the power of love, for better or worse, and behind it God’s enduring faithful love for us.

The notes and interpretations are from the booklet about the St Mary’s Church Stained Glass.

Ian
Wonderful capture and history
November 23rd, 2021  
stain glass windows are always interesting and filled with legends and history
fav
November 23rd, 2021  
Beautiful windows.Fav😊
November 23rd, 2021  
Really beautiful windows!
November 23rd, 2021  
nice
November 23rd, 2021  
Great shots of those beautiful Stained Glass windows Fav.
November 23rd, 2021  
Beautiful
November 24th, 2021  
Beautiful windows
November 24th, 2021  
Wow, how beautiful!
November 24th, 2021  
Wonderful windows. Great workmanship
November 24th, 2021  
Beautiful workmanship. Thank you for sharing the story.
November 24th, 2021  
@seattlite @ninaganci @carolmw @monicac @pdulis @pyrrhula @bkbinthecity @kjarn @kchuk @thistle01 @sangwann

Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.

It was very interesting taking photos of all the stained glass and reading the background information about each window. There are some lovely stories behind the images in the windows.

Ian
November 24th, 2021  
Very beautiful.
November 24th, 2021  
@vesna0210

Thank you Vesna - stained glass makes a lovely feature to take photos of.

Ian
November 29th, 2021  
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