Tag: Bradford Cathedral

Bradford Cathedral is a historic place of worship located in the city of Bradford, England. The cathedral’s origins date back to the 8th century when it was established as a Saxon chapel. Over the years, the structure has undergone several renovations and expansions resulting in the present-day Gothic-style architecture.

One of the most notable features inside the cathedral is the Memorial Window to Sir John Cass which dates back to 1898. Created by renowned stained-glass artist Charles Eamer Kempe, it stands as a tribute to Christ crucified and Sir John Cass, who passed away in 1898. Sir John Cass’s family dedicated the window as a loving and abiding memorial to their husband and father.

Kempe was a highly skilled painter in the 1860s and began his own stained glass company in London in 1868. His style was influenced by high church practices, and he perfected the use of silver stain on clear glass, resulting in a yellow tint that could be delicate or deep depending on the amount of stain used. His greatest influence came from the stained glass art of Northern Germany and Flanders from the 16th century.

Kempe’s studio operated under his name alone, with individual members remaining anonymous. He insisted that only his company’s name should take credit for the standard of work produced. From 1895 until his death in 1907, his insignia was a wheatsheaf, taken from his family’s coat of arms. The company continued under four of his directors, including his cousin Walter Tower, and the insignia changed to a wheatsheaf with a black tower.

Bradford Cathedral is a wonderful showcase of historical significance, and the Memorial Window to Sir John Cass is emblematic of the skill and influence of Charles Eamer Kempe within the stained glass community.

Posted by Glass Angel on 2020-01-14 12:49:22

Bradford Cathedral, located in the heart of the city of Bradford in the north of England, is a beautiful and historic building with a rich heritage stretching back over 800 years. The cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, is one of the oldest and most important places of worship in the region, and is well-known for its impressive architecture, impressive stained glass windows, and beautiful interior.

One of the most striking features of Bradford Cathedral is its stained glass windows, which are renowned for their beauty, complexity, and historical significance. Among the most notable of these windows is the memorial window to Sir John Cass, which was created by the renowned stained glass artist Charles Eamer Kempe in 1898.

The window is located in the South Transept of the cathedral, and depicts the Crucifixion and Mary Magdalene in the center light. The inscription on the window reads “In honour of Christ crucified and giving thanks to God for the dear memory of Sir John Cass Kt who entered into rest May 18th 1898 aged 65. His widow and children dedicate this window as a loving and abiding memorial.”

Charles Eamer Kempe was an influential painter and stained glass artist who lived from 1837 to 1907. He was trained as a painter of walls, ceilings, and woodwork of churches in the 1860s, during a time when there was a resurgence of interest in high church practices. Kempe started his own stained glass company, CE Kempe & Co, in London in 1868, and quickly established himself as one of the leading stained glass artists of his time.

Kempe’s style was heavily influenced by the stained glass of Northern Germany and Flanders from the 16th Century, and he took many trips to Europe in order to study and draw inspiration from these works. One of Kempe’s greatest innovations was his use of silver stain on clear glass, which creates a yellow tint that can be delicate or deep depending on the amount of stain used.

Kempe insisted that only the firm’s name should take credit for the quality of the work produced, and that individual members of the studio remain anonymous. He also chose a wheatsheaf as the symbol of his company, based on his family’s coat of arms. After Kempe’s death in 1907, the company was run by four of his directors, including his cousin Walter Tower, and the insignia of the company changed to a wheatsheaf with a black tower.

Overall, the memorial window to Sir John Cass is an important and beautiful piece of stained glass artwork that reflects both the religious and artistic traditions of its time. It is a fitting tribute to a man who made a significant contribution to the city of Bradford and to the wider community, and is a testament to the enduring legacy of Charles Eamer Kempe and his significant contributions to the field of stained glass art.

Posted by Glass Angel on 2020-01-14 12:49:17