The Stained Glass Windows Of St. James' Anglican Church Ivanhoe Victoria
By Wayne Harridge
Updated by Louise Ryan February 2019
Page 1 Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4
2 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...... 4
3 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE ST. JAMES' WINDOWS ...... 4
4 GENERAL HISTORY OF ST JAMES’ CHURCH BUILDING ...... 4
WINDOW 1 – LIGHT OF THE WORLD - WILLIAM KERR-MORGAN (BROOKS ROBINSON & CO.) C1962...... 5
WINDOW 2 – COME UNTO ME – BROOKS ROBINSON & CO. C1960 ...... 6
WINDOW 3 – DORCAS – CHRISTIAN WALLER C1942 ...... 7
WINDOW 4 - BEDE - BROOKS ROBINSON & CO 1951 ...... 8
WINDOW 5 – BOY JESUS IN THE TEMPLE - BROOKS ROBINSON & CO 1951 ...... 9
WINDOW 6 - BOY JESUS AND ANIMALS – CHRISTIAN WALLER C1946 ...... 10
WINDOW 7 – ANNUNCIATION – WILLIAM MONTGOMERY – DATE UNKNOWN ...... 11
WINDOW 8 – ST. STEPHEN – WILLIAM MONTGOMERY 1915 ...... 12
WINDOW 9 – HOPE – (POSSIBLY CHRISTIAN WALLER DESIGN) BROOKS ROBINSON & CO 1950 ...... 13
WINDOW 10 – FAITH – CHRISTIAN WALLER C1940S...... 14
WINDOW 11- ASCENSION TRIPLE WINDOWS – (BAKER) BROOKS ROBINSON & CO 1956 ...... 15
WINDOW 12 – ST AGNES – CHRISTIAN WALLER C 1938 ...... 16
THE ‘I AM’ SERIES OF WINDOWS ...... 17
WINDOW 13 – I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD – CHRISTIAN WALLER 1938 ...... 18
WINDOW 14 – I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD – CHRISTIAN WALLER 1938 ...... 19
WINDOW 15 – I AM THE RESURRECTION – CHRISTIAN WALLER 1938 ...... 20
WINDOW 16 – I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE – CHRISTIAN WALLER 1938 ...... 21
WINDOW 17 – I AM THE VINE – CHRISTIAN WALLER 1938 ...... 22
WINDOW 18 – ST CECELIA – CHRISTIAN WALLER C1939 ...... 23
THE TRILOGY OF ANGELS ...... 24
WINDOW 19 – GABRIEL –NAPIER WALLER – C1962 ...... 25
WINDOW 20 – MICHAEL –NAPIER WALLER – C1962 ...... 26
WINDOW 21 – URIEL –NAPIER WALLER – C1962 ...... 27
WINDOWS 22 & 23 – ANGELS – CHRISTIAN WALLER C1942 ...... 28
WINDOW 24 – ISAIAH – FERGUSON AND PAPAS C1981 ...... 29
WINDOW 25 – ANNUNCIATION - BROOKS ROBINSON & CO 1952 ...... 30
WINDOW 26 – ST LUKE - NAPIER WALLER C1962 ...... 31
WINDOW 27 – BAPTISM – NAPIER WALLER C1963 ...... 32
Page 2 WINDOW 28 – ST JAMES – BROOKS ROBINSON & CO 1957 ...... 33
WINDOW 29 – CROWN AND PALMS – BROOKS ROBINSON 1957 ...... 34
WINDOWS IN STORAGE – BROOKS ROBINSON 1953 & 1957 ...... 35
WINDOW 30 – IGGS CENTENARY ROSE WINDOW – GLEN MACK 2003 ...... 36
NOTES ON WINDOWS FROM ST STEPHEN’S DAREBIN ...... 38
THREE SAINTS WINDOWS FROM ST. STEPHEN’S DAREBIN - NAPIER WALLER 1962...... 39
THE CREATORS ...... 40
Page 3 1 Introduction This document arose as a means of presenting some photographs I made of the stained glass windows of St. James' Anglican Church, Ivanhoe. The photographs were made in May 1999, so the document represents all the stained glass windows installed at that time. Each window is presented on it's own page with the text from the window (if it exists), and any other details known about the window. The windows are presented in order as if you walked in the entrance, looked to your left, and proceeded through the church in a clockwise direction. (Wayne)
2 Acknowledgments Sincere thanks to the Reverend John Clarke, Vicar of St James, for providing free access to the church for photography of the windows and to Gwenda Bethell for guidance and "hands on" help in searching through the church archives to locate relevant information.
Additional notes have been added by Louise Ryan as the result of further research and emails and conversation with art historians Dr Bronwyn Hughes and Grace Blakely-Carroll, including Brooks Robinson & Co job books as transcribed by Bronwyn Hughes and quoted in emails to Louise Ryan 2016.
3 General History of the St. James' Windows Several of the windows now installed at St. James' (Window 19, Window 20, Window 21, Window 26 and Window 27) were originally installed at St. Stephen's church Darebin, which was part of the parish of St. James'. When St. Stephen's closed in 1989, several of the stained glass windows were transferred to the St. James' side chapel, which was thereafter called the St. Stephen's Chapel.
There was another window created by Napier Waller in St. Stephen's Nave (entitled "St. Stephen"), which was given by the Old Boys Association of Ivanhoe Grammar School in memory of their founding headmaster, the Rev. Sidney Buckley. When IGS built a chapel on the school campus in 19?? (St Stephen's had previously served as the school chapel until that time), the window was removed to the IGS chapel.
4 General history of St James’ Church building 1904 – Decision to purchase land for a church near the corner of Upper Heidelberg and Waterdale Roads (next to the original school house and Sunday School building)
1908 – In April a new parish of Ivanhoe was declared. Previously Ivanhoe had been part of St. John’s Heidelberg. Mr H. Wilcox considered the school site too small for a church and offered the Board of Guardians land on the Hillsley Estate in exchange. He also made a considerable donation towards the new building. In June the Board of Guardians accepted a proposal from Mr G H Pattison (one of their number and an architect) for a brick building with 4 bays to seat 264 costing £800 with an additional probably amount of £60 for seats. (Minutes 2nd June 1908). Funding was a struggle and local Methodist, Mr Kennedy of Ravenswood, was one of a number of people who made substantial loans or donations towards the cost. The builders were Hannah Brothers. On the 21st of October the foundation stone was laid and by 19 December the building was dedicated by the Archbishop.
In following years the church buildings were expanded to include a parish hall, vicarage and kindergarten in Noel Street (Alexander North was the architect for this, along with G H Pattison).
November 1938 – “additions…have been completed at a cost of 5000 pounds… The sanctuary, transept, lady chapel and vestries have been added to the original building, and the interior has been refurnished in fumed blackwood [including 7 stained glass windows in the sanctuary by Christian Waller]. Furnishings have been given by other parishioners…(Argus 12 November 1938). This extension was designed by architect Louis Williams, who had previously been a junior partner to Alexander North.
The Parish Centre was eventually built in the early 1960s.
1979 – renovations saw repainting of the church and redesign of the sanctuary/chancel area to provide more flexible space.
Page 4 Window 1 – Light of the world - William Kerr-Morgan (Brooks Robinson & Co.) c1962
I am the Light of the World IN LOVING MEMORY OF LEONARD REUBEN BAILEY. THE GIFT OF HIS WIFE. OBIIT 29.9.1960.
Size: 45cm x 120cm
Creator: Brooks Robinson & Co. (sketch by William Kerr-Morgan – one of his last windows) St. James faculty date: 5-Jul-1961
This window was ordered by Canon Hudson in February 1962 and dedicated 24th June 1962. It depicts Jesus as the Light of the World. Leonard Bailey was a builder who lived in Noel Street Ivanhoe.
Page 5 Window 2 – Come unto me – Brooks Robinson & Co. c1960
Come Unto Me IN LOVING MEMORY OF AMELIA ROSE ROBBINS. THE GIFT OF HER DAUGHTER. OBIIT 13.11.1958.
Size: 45cm x 120cm
Creator: Brooks Robinson & Co. St. James faculty date: Unknown
There is an autobiographical article in the St. James' archives by Mrs. Robbins' daughter, Joyce Meldrum, with reference to St. James' in the 1930's. Mrs. Robbins was the sister of Alonzo Smith, in whose memory the "Baptism" window (Window 27) was erected. Amelia was renowned for her work with the Darling Babies Home Ivanhoe Auxiliary, and for her hospitality to servicemen during WW2 and, later, to Asian students. This window was ordered by Mrs Meldrum in July-August 1960. It depicts Jesus with open arms calling us to come to Him. Page 6 Window 3 – Dorcas – Christian Waller c1942
DORCAS WAS FULL OF GOOD WORKS AND ALMSDEEDS WHICH SHE DID IN LOVING MEMORY OF ETHEL LOUISE LLOYD DIXON. DIED 26.8.41 THE GIFT OF HER CHILDREN DORCAS GIVING GARMENTS TO THE WIDOWS
Size: 50cm x 190cm
Creator: Christian Waller (signed) St. James faculty date: Unknown
This window depicts Dorcas (Tabitha) who is mentioned in Acts 9 as a woman known for her acts of charity and her needlework. She was resurrected by Peter. This window is mentioned in the 1942 Annual report and in Vestry minutes of April 1942. There is also a memorial plaque to Ethel Dixon in the Parish Centre where kindergarten chairs were given in her memory by her son Harry in 1961. Ethel was a key member of the Mothers Union in the 1930s.
Page 7 Window 4 - Bede - Brooks Robinson & Co 1951
BEDE GLORY BE TO THE FATHER THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST IN MEMORY OF ARTHUR VINCENT GREEN L.L.D. BISHOP. WHO CELEBRATED THE GOLDEN JUBILEE OF HIS EPISCOPATE IN THIS CHURCH ON 1ST MAY 1944 ERECTED BY HIS FRIENDS. TAKE THY PEN AND WRITE QUICKLY
Size: 50cm x 190cm
Creator: Brooks Robinson & Co St. James faculty date: Unknown
This window depicts Bede who was a 7th century English monk. He is most noted for writing an early English history An Ecclesiastical History of the English People. Green served as Bishop of Grafton and Armidale 1894-1900 and of Ballarat 1900-1915. He retired to live in Hawdon Street Heidelberg and frequently preached at St.James’. The initial proposal for this window is in the Vestry minutes of July 1947. An appeal for funding was published in The Age newspaper 2 August 1947, page 2. It is also mentioned in Vestry minutes of August 1949. Brooks, Robinson and Co’s job books list Rev. Cole ordering this in October 1950. The window was unveiled on 11th April 1951. Page 8 Window 5 – Boy Jesus in the temple - Brooks Robinson & Co 1951
JESUS THY KINGDOM COME THY WILL BE DONE THE GIFT OF CR AND MRS A. E. CARLYLE WE HAVE SOUGHT SORROWING
Size: 50cm x 190cm
Creator: Brooks Robinson & Co. St. James faculty date: Unknown
This window depicts the boy Jesus and the story about him visiting the temple told in Luke chapter 2. Brooks, Robinson and Co’s job books list Rev. Cole ordering this in October 1950. This window was dedicated on 19th August 1951. Cr Albert Carlyle was Mayor of Heidelberg in the 1940s. Page 9 Window 6 - Boy Jesus and animals – Christian Waller c1946
JESUS I THANK THEE O FATHER LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH IN LOVING MEMORY OF DOUGLAS WILLIAM CARLYLE. DIED 29.6.1933 AGED 10 YRS. THE GIFT OF HIS PARENTS HE CAME TO NAZARETH AND WAS SUBJECT UNTO THEM
Size: 50cm x 190cm
Creator: Christian Waller (signed) St. James faculty date: 7-Oct-1943
This window depicts Jesus as a boy surrounded by small animals, including a serpent at his feet (perhaps a reference to Genesis 3:15). In the bottom pane he is helping his father Joseph, the carpenter. This window is mentioned in Vestry minutes of August 1943, and delays were discussed at the Vestry meeting in September 1946. Page 10 Window 7 – Annunciation – William Montgomery – date unknown
His name shall be called Jesus IN LOVING MEMORY OF EDWARD CRISP VESTRYMAN & SS SUPT. IN THIS PARISH FOR 30 YEARS DIED 6TH AUG 1911 AGED 89
Size: 50cm x 190cm
Creator: William Montgomery St. James faculty date: Unknown
This window depicts the annunciation from Luke 1, when the Angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will give birth to a boy who shall be called Jesus. The dove symbolises the Holy Spirit. The white lily was a symbol of purity. Edward Crisp was involved in the parish as Sunday School Superintendent, with the parochial lending library and with the Ivanhoe branch of the Young Men’s Friendly Society.
Page 11 Window 8 – St. Stephen – William Montgomery 1915
Faithful unto Death IN LOVING MEMORY OF Q.M. SERGT. LEONARD EVERITT KILLED AT THE DARDENELLES APRIL 25TH 1915
Size: 50cm x 190cm
Creator: William Montgomery St. James faculty date: Unknown
Len Everitt was the first member of St. James’ congregation to be killed in action in World War 1. He actually died of wounds at sea on the 29th April 1915, following the Gallipoli landing. Len’s name is on the Ivanhoe war memorial in Upper Heidelberg Road.
The window depicts St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, in red robes. The passage is in Acts chapters 6 & 7. Montgomery used this theme and pattern in a number of stained glass windows of the period, although St James’ Ivanhoe was one of the first. Heidelberg news 18 September 1915 reports on the service to dedicate the window, which took place on 12 September. Page 12 Window 9 – Hope – (possibly Christian Waller design) Brooks Robinson & Co 1950
HOPE THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY REDEEMER IN LOVING MEMORY OF WILLIAM GEORGE SWIFT 6.10.1945 THE GIFT OF HIS FAMILY
Size: 50cm x 145cm
Creator: Brooks Robinson & Co. St. James faculty date: 6-Apr-1949
The anchor is a Christian symbol of hope (Hebrews 6:19). The six-point star on the book may represent the Star of David or the six days of creation. The initial proposal was discussed at the Vestry meeting of December 1945. The window is also mentioned in the minutes of March 1949. Brooks, Robinson & Co job books list it as being ordered by Rev. Cole in May 1950. It was unveiled and dedicated on 17th September 1950. There is some suggestion that Christian Waller did some preliminary work on this window as it has many similarities to her ‘faith’ window.
Mr. Swift was a former secretary to St.James’ vestry and Town Clerk at Northcote for 38 years. . Page 13 Window 10 – Faith – Christian Waller c1940s
FAITH THIS IS THE VICTORY THAT OVERCOMETH THE WORLD IN LOVING MEMORY OF MINDORA SWIFT THE GIFT OF HER FAMILY. 10.10.1940
Size: 50cm x 145cm
Creator: Christian Waller St. James faculty date: Unknown
A lamp is most often used to symbolise the Word of God. A white daisy can represent innocence. A photograph of the artist’s studio, published in the Argus 27 July 1948 – Women’s magazine page 1, shows the sketch for this window in the background.
Page 14 Window 11- Ascension triple windows – (Baker) Brooks Robinson & Co 1956
LO I AM WITH YOU I
Plaque below:
In Loving Memory of Henry Knorr The above window is the gift Of his Wife and Family Obiit 20-3-1947
Size: 50cm x 175cm (sides), 50cm x 280cm (centre)
Creator: Brooks Robinson & Co (cartoon prepared by Baker) (1) St. James faculty date: Unknown
These three windows were ordered by Cannon Hudson in October 1956. Knorr family owned the grocer’s shop in Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe, from 1903 to 1984 (between the current Mount’s chemist shop and arcade through to Coles). Henry was a Vestryman for many years. Proposals for these windows are mentioned in Parish Notes March 1956. The theme of the windows is the Ascension, from Acts chapter 1 and we see six disciples watching as He ascends above the city of Jerusalem. The saying is from Matthew chapter 28, verse 20. Page 15 Window 12 – St Agnes – Christian Waller c 1938
ST AGNES IN LOVING MEMORY OF MARGERY ELDEST DAUGHTER OF PERCY AND ADELE CORNWALL 1.11.38
Size: 45cm x 160cm
Creator: Christian Waller St. James faculty date: Unknown
Sixteen year old Margery Cornwall, of Waterdale Road Ivanhoe, died on the 29th May 1937. St Agnes is the patron saint of young women. The white lilies represent purity. The lamb is a common symbol in pictures of St. Agnes because the Latin word for lamb is agnus - sounding like her name, and it also represents purity. A lamb carrying a flag in Christian art represents the ‘lamb of God’ – a traditional representation of Christs sacrifice. The design for this window was purchased by the Australian National Gallery, Canberra in 1979. Page 16 The ‘I am’ series of windows An article in Church of England Messenger December 2, 1938, page 584 describes the dedication of St. James’ extensions, including that the ‘sanctuary is beautified with seven stained-glass windows, designed tastefully by Mrs. Napier Waller.” There is a story of Christian’s problems with installing these windows: “When making the windows for St James's church, Ivanhoe, she complained about the non-cooperation of the builder, saying the 'painters had even splashed some calcimine [sic ] over my borders, and they refused to clean it off ... ' [architect Louis] Williams intervened remarking 'that the windows are all delightful' and that everything would be rectified to her satisfaction 1. The designs for windows 13-17 were given to the Bendigo Art Gallery by Klytie Pate (Christian’s niece) in 1992.
Plaque below the “I am” windows:
In memory of John and Margaret Wippell The Sanctuary Windows Are the gift of their daughters Amy and Frances
Amy Wippell taught in St. James’ Sunday School in the 1930’s. John Wippell (1854-1927) and his wife Margaret (?- 1935) lived at ‘Springfield’ in Lower Heidelberg Road from 1920. Frances was Mrs W.J. Ball.
Jesus made these ‘I am’ statements in the Gospel of John: John 6: 35, 48 I am the bread of life John 8: 12, 9:5 I am the light of the world John 10:11 I am the good shepherd John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life John 15:1 I am the true vine
1. Quoted from Gladys Marie Moore’s “Louis Reginald Williams” University of Melbourne 2001 Thesis (https://minerva- access.unimelb.edu.au/bitstream/handle/11343/38261/300554_MOORE%20vol.%201.pdf)
Page 17
Window 13 – I am the good shepherd – Christian Waller 1938
I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD AND KNOW MY SHEEP AND AM KNOWN OF MINE
Size: 45cm x 160cm
Creator: Christian Waller St. James faculty date: Unknown
The window depicts Jesus as a shepherd with a shepherd’s crook and carrying a lamb.
Page 18 Window 14 – I am the light of the world – Christian Waller 1938
I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD HE THAT FOLLOWETH ME SHALL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS
Size: 45cm x 160cm
Creator: Christian Waller St. James faculty date: Unknown
The window depicts Jesus surrounded by rays of light.
Page 19 Window 15 – I am the resurrection – Christian Waller 1938
I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE HE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME THOUGH HE WERE DEAD YET SHALL HE LIVE
Size: 45cm x 160cm
Creator: Christian Waller St. James faculty date: Unknown
The window depicts Jesus with upstretched arms leading someone with loosely wrapped grave-clothes upwards. The dove of the Holy Spirit is above. Page 20 Window 16 – I am the bread of life – Christian Waller 1938
I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE HE THAT COMETH TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER
Size: 45cm x 160cm
Creator: Christian Waller St. James faculty date: Unknown
This window depicts Jesus, robed in red, holding a chalice with wheat in the background and the dove of the Holy Spirit above.
Page 21 Window 17 – I am the vine – Christian Waller 1938
I AM THE VINE YE ARE THE BRANCHES WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING
Size: 45cm x 160cm
Creator: Christian Waller St. James faculty date: Unknown
Jesus is depicted with vines and grapes in the background and the dove of the Holy Spirit above.
Page 22 Window 18 – St Cecelia – Christian Waller c1939
ST CECELIA IN MEMORY OF OLIVE ELIZABETH THE GIFT OF HER HUSBAND LESLIE CORBEN 1.11.38
Size: 45cm x 160cm
Creator: Christian Waller St. James faculty date: Unknown
St Cecelia is the patron saint of musicians and we can see in the design a tambourine and pipes. She holds a scroll. According to legend she was protected by an angel, seen above. White lilies represent purity. The design for this window was purchased by the Warrnambool Art Gallery in 1978.
Page 23
The Trilogy of angels These windows were originally positioned above the alter at St. Stephen’s church.2 They were given by Mrs. May MacGeorge, granddaughter of pioneering pastoralist Captain John Hepburn and wife of artist Norman MacGeorge. They have been mounted and backlit to form a backdrop behind the table in the side-chapel of St. James.
The three angels are intended to represent the supporting angles of the Trinity: Gabriel the Messenger represents the Son; Michael, the Defender of Heaven, represents the Father; and Uriel, always associated with Fire, represents the Holy Spirit.3
Dedicated in St Stephen’s: 30th September 1962. St. James faculty date: 12-Apr-1990
The brass plaque below them reads: TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE WINDOWS IN THE EAST WALL ABOVE IN MEMORY OF JOHN STUART HEPBURN, BELOVED BROTHER OF ALICE ELLA PURRY-CUST, ELAINE MARY HEPBURN, GEORGE STANLEY HEPBURN AND MAY I MACGEORGE AND IN THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR BELOVED AND DEVOTED PARENTS, HARRIET FRANCES AND GEORGE STUART HEPBURN, OF SMEATON. GABRIEL MICHAEL URIEL
2 Email from Bronwyn Hughes to Louise Ryan 17 April 2016 cites a letter from Rev. Ed Smith to Archbishop applying for Faculty to remove and reinstall the windows makes it clear that the Trilogy were originally on the east wall of St. Stephens. 3 Parish Notes October 1962 page 3
Page 24 Window 19 – Gabriel –Napier Waller – c1962
No text
Size: 20cm x 110cm
The archangel Gabriel is mentioned in both the Old and New Testament. He is a messenger about the coming Messiah. The intention here is to represent the angle as a supporter of the Son.
Page 25 Window 20 – Michael –Napier Waller – c1962
No text:
Size: 20cm x 110cm
The archangel Michael is mentioned in the bible as a warrior, protecting Israel - hence the appearance of armour. The intention here is to represent the angel as a supporter of God the Father.
Page 26 Window 21 – Uriel –Napier Waller – c1962
No text:
Size: 20cm x 110cm
The archangel Uriel is actually not named in the bible, but is in other Jewish literature, usually along with the Archangels Raphael, Gabriel and Michael. He is sometimes called the angel of light, and flames can be part of his representation. The intention here is to represent the angel as a supporter of the Holy Spirit.
Page 27 Windows 22 & 23 – Angels – Christian Waller c1942
No text:
Plaque below:
These windows were erected To the Glory of God And in the Memory of George Peter Dean 10th November 1928
Size: 15cm x 95cm
Artist Christian Waller (signed) St. James faculty date Probably 21 February 1943 (this may be for the plaque beneath)4 Mentioned Annual report 1942
4 Email from Bronwyn Hughes to Louise Ryan 17 April 2016 referring to information from Leonie Duncan at Anglican Diocesan Archives Melbourne.
Page 28 Window 24 – Isaiah – Ferguson and Papas c1981
ISAIAH HOLY HOLY HOLY IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY THE GIFT OF ERNEST & JOSEPHINE JACKSON
Size: 50cm x 170cm
Creator: J. R. Ferguson & N. Papas St Stephen faculty date: 2-Sep-1981 St. James faculty date: 16-Aug-1989
This window was originally installed at St. Stephens’ Darebin. Ernest and Josephine Jackson were long-standing parishioners of St. Stephen’s. The subject is Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet at the time when the Assyrians threatened the kingdom of Judah and the kingdom sometimes aligned itself with Egypt – hence the names and symbols for these ancient kingdoms around the windows, as well as the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. The commission for the work was initially offered to Mrs. Lorna Waller (Napier’s second wife), but she later recommended Ferguson & Papas. It appears that a narrow border was added at each side when the window was moved to St. James’ Page 29 Window 25 – Annunciation - Brooks Robinson & Co 1952
BLESSED ART THOU AMONG WOMEN. IN LOVING MEMORY OF FRANCES HILDA CHAMBERS ERECTED BY HER HUSBAND OBIIT 5TH APRIL 1948
Size: 50cm x 170cm
Creator: Brooks Robinson & Co (Attributed to English artist Christopher Whall, but probably copied by William Kerr-Morgan from an Edward Burne-Jones cartoon)5 St. James faculty date: 21-Nov-1949
This window shows the traditional symbols and lilies and doves which are associated with the story of the angel’s announcement to Mary.
Brooks, Robinson and Co’s job books list Rev. Cole ordering this in October 1950. It was dedicated 14th September 1952. Photographic evidence suggests that the bottom panel and an area at the top of the window were added later, when the St. Stephen’s windows were moved to the side chapel- possibly to match the sizes of adjacent windows.
Page 30 Window 26 – St Luke - Napier Waller c1962
TO THE GLORY OF GOD S. LUKE IN MEMORY OF NORMAN MACGEORGE ARTIST DIED 1952 LOVED HUSBAND OF MAY
Size: 50cm x 170cm
St. Stephens faculty date 1 September 1981 St. James faculty date 16-Aug-1989
Norman MacGeorge a Melbourne painter and critic, was a close friend of Napier Waller and lived in Riverside Road, Ivanhoe, nearby to Napier Waller who lived in Crown Road. May MacGeorge was a member of the St. Stephen’s Ladies Guild and occasionally opened her home for fund raising events such as musical afternoons, for the Guild. Parish Notes report that the window was unveiled and dedicated by Rev. Sydney Buckley August 12, 1962. The article mentions that Norman Macgeorge was on the staff of Ivanhoe Grammar for a number of years. The window was moved to St James’ from St. Stephen’s. The subject of the window is St. Luke, writer of one of the Gospels and of the Acts of the Apostles. St Luke is believed to have been a doctor, hence the symbol of the snake on the pole in the left of the window. There is also a tradition that he was an artist. Napier Waller is believed to have used the portrait of his friend’s for the face of St. Luke. The brushes and palette represent the artist’s tools.
Page 31 Window 27 – Baptism – Napier Waller c1963
BAPTISM IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALONZO THOMAS SMITH OBIIT 8.JAN.1959 ERECTED BY HIS WIFE GRACE ELLIS SMITH.
Size: 70cm x 170cm
St Stephen’s faculty date: 13-Mar-1963 St James faculty date: 14-Nov-1990 Permission to transfer the window from St.Stephens: 14 November 19966
This window was originally at the west end of St Stephen’s behind the font. It represents Jesus rising from the water following his baptism by John the Baptist and the dove appearing overhead. Alonzo was a brother of Amelia Rose Robbins (ref. Window 2), “Lon” and Grace Smith were staunch members of the St. Stephen’s congregation from 1927 when St. Stephen’s was built. He played football for Essendon in 1908 and later became a shoe manufacturer. Family name is Fellows-Smith in some sources.
6 Email from Bronwyn Hughes to Louise Ryan 17 April 2016 quoting Leonie Duncan from Anglican Diocesan Archives.
Page 32 Window 28 – St James – Brooks Robinson & Co 1957
The text:
Blessed are the pure in heart IN LOVING MEMORY OF PETER JAMES TAYLOR. THE GIFT OF HIS WIFE. OBIIT 3.3.1954
Size: 50cm x 170cm
Creator: Brooks Robinson & Co. St James faculty date: 13-Aug-1956
This may be the window recorded as ‘St James’ in the Brooks, Robinson & Co job books and was ordered by Cannon Hudson April 1957.
St.James (the Greater – son of Zebedee) is sometimes portrayed as a pilgrim with a water gourd on a metal stick. According to legend, after being beheaded, James’ body was put in a rudderless boat to sail wherever God chose. It eventually landed in northwest Spain and the place has become a pilgrim destination – hence St.James’ representation as a pilgrim. Page 33 Window 29 – Crown and palms – Brooks Robinson 1957
No text:
Size: 50cm x 170cm
Creator: Brooks Robinson & Co. St. James faculty date: Unknown
Canon Hudson ordered a three-light window in April 1957. The central window depicted St.James, the side panels had emblems : Crown & palms and Wheat & grapes. Three similar windows are currently in storage (in the back of the built in cupboards in the side meeting room). They were removed to make room for windows from St. Stephen’s Darebin. See also notes accompanying Window 25.
Page 34 Windows in storage – Brooks Robinson 1953 & 1957
Wheat and grapes Lily Rose
See notes under Window 29
Lily and Rose Windows
Parish Notes November 1952 records that Brooks Robinson had submitted a plan for the “treatment of the plain windows in the Lady Chapel. Two of these are next to ‘The Annunciation’ window…We are most grateful to Mr. R. Chambers for bearing the expense.” These were ordered by Canon Hudson in October 1953.7 Parish Notes February 1954 records that the windows have been completed and one contains the motif of a rose and the other a lily. (These windows are now in storage.)
7 Email from Bronwyn Hughes to Louise Ryan 17 April 2016.
Page 35 Window 30 – IGGS centenary rose window – Glen Mack 2003
Size: ??cm diameter
Creator: Glenn Mack St James faculty date: Unknown
From the IGGS News, July 2003: “The school year commenced with a moving service for the dedication of the Centenary Stained Glass Window by Bishop Andrew Curnow. The rose window, which faces Upper Heidelberg Road, was donated by the Chairman of the School Board, Stan McLiesh and his daughter, Anna, in memory of their wife and mother, Jeannie who died two years ago - is one of the most beautiful pieces of artwork you are ever likely to see. The artist, Glenn Mack, has incorporated symbols representing the School and Parish into the three themes of the window, ‘women’, ‘achievement’ and ‘music’”
Page 36
Stained glass window artist, Glenn Mack, describes his thoughts when designing the window: Our aim in designing this window was to promote three themes: 'women', 'achievement' and 'music'. We were conscious that the window would be viewed by people of varying ages and experience: predominantly the congregation of St James' and the students of Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School. The window needed to have both impact and movement: a window that could be read m a variety of ways from each individual's perspective. Fortunately, the School's crest incorporated a lamp, a symbol commonly used by artists in ecclesiastic designs to represent (variously) The Source, The Light or The Centre. This neatly brought together a symbol important to both the Church and the School. With the light as the centre we designed the six major lights as fragments of the whole. Each light exists artistically in its own right (much as individuals do), but each becomes greater as part of a larger whole (the whole rose window or the Church or the School). Movement, or the flow of energy in the window can be equally read as flowing from, the centre to the perimeter or as flowing from the perimeter to the centre. This may raise questions in the viewer of what flows from their faith to them and, alternatively, what can flow from them, to God. Glenn Mack
Page 37 Notes on windows from St Stephen’s Darebin
From Parish Notes October 1962 page 3
The Trilogy of Angels described in this article is now in the side chapel of St.James’. The location of St.Hilda, St. Kentigern and St. Cecilia are unknown.(see images next page.)
Page 38
Three saints windows from St. Stephen’s Darebin - Napier Waller 1962
St Hilda St. Kentigern St. Cecelia In loving memory of Victoria In memory of Elaine Mary Hepburn, In memory of George Stanley Wheatley. Aunt of May MacGeorge. Loved sister (of May MacGeorge) Hepburn MC. Loved brother (May MacGeorge’s twin – Military Cross)
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The creators
“Brooks, Robinson & Co. began in 1854 as import agents, dealing in window and table glass and interior-decorating supplies. They later moved into commercial glazing, particularly shopfronts, but did not produce stained-glass windows until the 1880s. Their big opportunity came in the 1890s when they were engaged to install St Paul's Cathedral's great cycle of stained-glass windows, made by Clayton & Bell in London. Their stained-glass studio flourished, and after the closure of Ferguson & Urie attained a dominant position in the trade. Almost all the Australian glass artists of the early 20th century passed through their studio. Their work is represented in the Princess Theatre and St John's, Toorak. However, the stained-glass studio closed after Brooks Robinson was taken over by Email Pty Ltd in 1963.”
William Montgomery (1850-1927) – Arrived in Melbourne 1886. His studio was in Flinders Street, although he had a number of branches around the country. He worked with a small group of artisans, maintaining artistic control over his commissions. Following the first world war Montgomery received more than 80 commissions for commemorative church windows. In his later years he began working with Napier and Christian Waller and possibly influenced their direction into stained glass. He also introduced them to church architect Louis Williams.
Mervyn Napier Waller (1893-1972) – While serving during the first world war Napier Waller was wounded and lost his right arm. He learned to work with his left arm. He was also a skilled illustrator and mosaic artist.
Christian Waller (nee Yandall) (1894-1954) – Her most significant works were in the 1930s, following a visit to Britain. The Wallers worked alone in their Fairy Hills studio, with occasional assistance from a man to cut the glass. They worked from the design to the completion of the windows. Christian pursued interests in spiritualism and religion in later life and became something of a recluse.
John Reginald Ferguson (1923-2010) and Nick Papas. - John Ferguson and Nick Papas served together in the Army in 1943 and both were students at RMIT in 1946. In 1948 Ferguson married Nick’s sister Mary and he later worked for the Brooks, Robinson & Co stained glass company in Melbourne. In 1952 Papas also joined the firm as a glass painter. In 1955 they decided to go into business as stained glass designers and makers and worked from Ferguson’s home at East Malvern.
References: Bronwyn Hughes - The Art of Light: a survey of stained glass in Victoria - https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/La-Trobe-Journal-90-Bronwyn-Hughes.pdf
Australian dictionary of biography http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/waller-mervyn-napier-8963
Enigma by Grace Carroll, 28 August 2015 http://www.portrait.gov.au/magazines/49/enigma
Stained glass – eMelbourne http://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM01420b.htm https://stainedglassaustralia.wordpress.com/artists-studios/
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