St Mary Redcliffe launches stained glass window competition

St Mary Redcliffe church was described by Queen Elizabeth I upon visiting in 1574 as “the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England”.

The grade I-listed building is thought to have originated in Saxon times when Bristol first became a port; and the area of Redcliffe has, ever since, retained its strong links to the sea, maritime trade and industries including glass-making and pottery.

The church’s history includes several notable figures including seafarer John Cabot, merchant William Canynges, Admiral William Penn and poet Thomas Chatterton, who lived opposite the building as a child.

St Mary Redcliffe, central aisle – photo: Emily Whitfield-Wicks

But there have been difficult associations, too, that St Mary Redcliffe has been proactive in addressing in the last five years.

In the wake of the removal of the Edward Colston statue during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Bristol in 2020, and acting in coordination with Bristol Cathedral, the church made the decision to remove four stained-glass panels dedicated to Colston, replacing them with plain panels as a temporary measure.

The panels had formerly made up the bottom section of the North Transept window, commonly known as The Good Samaritan, depicting the story which Colston had taken as his motto.

The first and third of the four stained glass panels which were dedicated to Colston – now removed from the North Transept window at St Mary Redcliffe church – photo: Holywell Glass

“What has become increasingly clear as we understand more of our history,” says a statement from the church, “is that philanthropy built on the back of injustice is immoral and should not be commemorated.

“The removal of the stained-glass commemorating Colston forms part of an ongoing process of historical evaluation and analysis designed to ensure that the church’s presentation of its past accords with its modern values, vision statement and mission.”

Now, St Mary Redcliffe is launching an open competition to replace the plain panels with newly made stained glass pieces to complete the window once again.

The theme of the entries – ‘And who is my neighbour?’, is to explore a contemporary understanding of what it means to be a good Samaritan today.

North Transept window showing removed panels – photo: Holywell Glass

“Rather than hurriedly create new stained-glass panels, we wanted to take the time to reflect, consult and design a solution that is well-considered, represents our world view today, and will stand the test of time,” reflects Canon Dan Tyndall.

Bishop of Bristol, Vivienne Faull, added: “I am so pleased to see SMR engaged in this work as it aligns strongly with my personal commitment to racial justice and my desire to see positive change in the Diocese of Bristol.”

Close up of North Transept window – photo: Holywell Glass

The competition is suitable for all ages and design styles, and the church is appealing to individuals, community groups, organisations and schools on a local and national basis to enter.

Shortlisted entries are to be displayed in an exhibition at St Mary Redcliffe from August 20-September 18 where the public will be invited to comment on the submitted designs. This feedback will be factored into the final judging process.

For more information about the competition and details of how to enter, visit www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk or email parish.Office@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk.

Main photo: Emily Whitfield-Wicks

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