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The history behind Bristol’s stained glass windows
From St Mary Redcliffe Church to Clifton Cathedral, Bristol is a place celebrated for its stained glass windows.
But, as the city continues to grapple with its historic links to the transatlantic trade of enslaved Africans, some of these artworks have undergone significant transformations.
At St Mary Redcliffe Church, reckoning with its artistic commemorations of Edward Colston led to a radical redesign of their stained glass windows.
is needed now More than ever
After seeking permission from the Consistory Court of the Diocese of Bristol, diocese chancellor, Justin Gau said the historical behaviour of the church in commemorating the life of Colston is “a sin”.
In recognition of Bristol’s links with the slave trade, St Mary Redcliffe worked to create stained glass images which respected this history, but also praised the efforts of those fighting against systematic racism within the city.
Designed by Easlish Swift, the stained glass now portrays Jesus in multiple ethnicities, joining the Bristol Bus Boycott (pictured above), fleeing as a refugee, and arriving in Bristol on a slaving voyage.
One of the redesigned panels shows Jesus sailing on a slave ship headed for Bristol during the transatlantic slave trade, also referencing the biblical story of Jesus calming the storm – photo: Ealish Swift
Despite this redesign, many of the images still maintain the classic artistic style of stained glass seen previously on the site.
St Mary Redcliffe is not alone in its use of stained glass to commemorate history.
At the west end of Bristol Cathedral are war memorials, which remember the sacrifices of Bristol’s soldiers throughout the second world war.
While one window shows a soldier dressed in uniform, other windows make efforts to praise the home front, showing images of nursing services, as well as firefighters and air raid wardens.
Bristol Cathedral has used its stained glass to commemorate the sacrifices of Bristol’s soldiers in the Second World War – photo: Bristol Cathedral
While many churches and cathedrals in Bristol have chosen to reflect the histories and social landscapes of Bristol, some have adapted to artistic trends and movements.
In the 1960s, John Piper was commissioned to revive Clifton’s All Saints Church with a new scheme of stained glass windows.
Piper used this opportunity to experiment with style and form, creating colourful abstract works which defied traditional styles.
All Saints Church have incorporated modernist styles in their redesign – photo: All Saints Church
In this way, All Saints acts as a time capsule for art history, paying homage to an artistic period known for experimentation and invention.
Main photo: Ealish Swift
Read next:
- Bristol’s medieval parish boundary markers hidden in plain sight
- Former Catholic Church church for sale: ‘no sordid use’ allowed
- 12 historic Bristol churches transformed
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