Exploring Themes and Issues

We’ve begun to look at stained glass in relationship to its setting, understanding that image, the audience, and the partnerships involved. For my case study on this, I returned to Bradford Cathedral for its inspiring windows. The Cathedral is rich with windows either dedicated to women or the subject is women, I recommend everyone take time to admire the spectacular West Window featuring Women of the Bible by Heaton Butler.

I fell in love with the Mitchell Memorial Window featuring Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Saint Hilda of Whitby, and Queen Ethelburga of York. I find a gentleness, a calmness in Saint Elizabeth, her miracle was turning bread into roses when searched on her way to feed the poor. Her eyes are almost Disney-like in their proportions. Installed in 1911 by A.K. Nicholson who designed work for other cathedrals including Wells, Newcastle, Norwich, Lincoln, and Worcester. This was at a time in Bradford when suffragettes were very active. I enjoyed this webpage about the suffragettes including Emiline Pankhurst at St Georges Hall , which is just a short walk from the Cathedral.