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The St Laurence Church in Corringham, Lincolnshire houses several notable stained glass windows created by Charles Eamer Kempe. Kempe was a painter who started his own stained glass company, CE Kempe and Co in London, in 1868. His training in high church practices and his artistic abilities helped him to create unique stained glass windows that became highly sought after by churches across the world.
Kempe’s stained glass windows were characterized by his use of silver stain on clear glass, which produced a delicate or deep yellow tint depending on the amount of stain. This technique was perfected by Kempe himself and was used extensively in his work. Kempe was heavily inspired by the stained glass of Northern Germany and Flanders from the 16th century, and he took many trips to Europe to develop his skills and knowledge.
The St Laurence Church, in particular, has one striking stained glass window called the South Aisle East Window, created by Kempe in 1884. The window is a memorial to Dame Caroline Beckett, who lived from 1787-1878. The window features intricate designs that reflect Kempe’s unique aesthetic while embodying the memory of Dame Caroline Beckett.
Another notable addition to the church is the Jesse Window, which was created to trace the family tree of Jesus Christ, from Jesse, the father of King David through to the kings of Israel. Kempe’s mastery of glass-staining is evident in the Jesse Window, where he uses a wide range of colours to depict the complexity of Jesus’ heritage.
Despite his success, Kempe insisted that only his firm’s name would receive the credit for the standard of work produced, and individual members of the studio would remain anonymous. After Kempe’s death in 1907, the company was run by four of his directors, including his cousin Walter Tower. The insignia of Kempe was a wheatsheaf, which was taken from his family’s coat of arms, and from about 1895 until his death in 1907, it represented the company. Afterward, the insignia was changed to a wheatsheaf with a black tower.
In conclusion, Charles Eamer Kempe was a master of stained glass artistry, and his works can be found in many churches, including the St Laurence Church in Corringham. The windows he created have stood the test of time and continue to be admired for their intricate designs and unique beauty. Kempe’s mastery of glass-staining was influenced by his travels across Europe, and he left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire artists to this day.