UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL

Southland Times, Issue 23146, 12 March 1937, Page 8

UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL

Window Of Stained

Glass

CRAFTSMANSHIP ON NEW BUILDING

Described as one of the finest pieces of stained glass workmanship produced in the Dominion, the new Wesney memorial window has been unveiled in the Central Methodist Church. The window, which was commissioned by Mrs James Wesney as a memorial to her husband, was designed by Mr R. H. Fraser, of Rattray street, Dunedin. An exhibition of it in a Dunedin firm’s premises for some time before it came to Invercargill was visited by many admiring visitors. The church is a handsome structure of modern design, and the window, together with two others which Mr Fraser has already produced for the building, undoubtedly constitutes one of its chief beauties. Previous work by Mr Fraser has proved that he can more than hold his own with English and Continental craftsmen, both in draughtsmanship and in execution, and this latest work is the product of four months of endeavour. The window is of six lancets, and presents four subjects. The left-hand panel, of two lancets, illustrates the Nativity; the right-hand panel, also of two lancets, is a representation of Christ talking with the doctors in the Temple. Each of the taller central lancets present figures of Christ as the Good Shepherd and as the Light of the World. The artist has found his inspiration in classical models, but he has made notable modifications which have been made necessary by the contrast in the atmospheres produced by the modern architecture of the church and by the Gothic architecture for which the earlier craftsmen created their works. Of outstanding interest, particularly to connoisseurs of this form of art, is the flesh work, of the various figures. These hues are among the most difficult to treat, and the fact that a high degree of naturalism has . been attained in this respect is an indication of the excellence of tfie work as a whole. Particularly felicitous is the tinting of the two cherubim in the Nativity scene. Next in importance is the sweeping opulence of draping and colouring in the robes, the deep blues and rich scarlets striking a high tonal quality which dominates the whole production. Necessary balance is achieved by the more subdued shades in the background, although these are all skilfully varied to avoid any possibility of a monotony of effect. Individual Expression The draughtsmanship is of a high order, each of the figures being well proportioned. Particular attention has been given to the creation of individual expression, a pleasing departure from the convention which is marked in much stained glass portraiture. Formality is again evident in the canopy in each panel, but here again, strict classicism has been relieved and modified by the introduction of a wealth of detail of symbolical significance which is never so obvious to become obtrusive and mar the essential atmosphere of reverence produced by the subjects. Tire‘formal unveiling of the window was done by Mrs Wesney, at a service taken by the Rev. E. B. Chambers. Members of the Rechabite order, of which Mr Chambers had been Dominion Chief Ruler, attended the service. The window is the third memorial window to be placed in the church. One is to the memory of the late Mr George Froggatt and one to the memory of the late Mr Alfred Myers. The inscription reads:— “This window is dedicated to the glory of God and in Loving Memory of John James Wesney, who fa’thfully served the Leet Street Church as Choirmaster, Trust Secretary (34 years), Circuit Steward, and Local Preacher, and who for 40 years was Sunday School Superintendent. Died May 26, 1923, aged 65 years. “And his daughter Myrtle, an ardent Missionary Worker, died April 23, 1915, aged 18 years. “Donated by Alice Wesney, a loving wife and mother. March, 1937.”