Percy Bacon & Brothers Stained Glass

Stained Glass of Percy Bacon Limited

Ipswich, St Matthews

Suffolk

St Matthews, Ipswich, Stained glass of Percy Bacon Limited

South aisle 4: St Edmund, King of the East Angles, Christ as priest and king, and St Felix. Note the reversal of the saint's names.

South aisle 4: St Edmund, King of the East Angles.

South aisle 4: Christ as priest & king. The arms of Haslewood (Shropshire branch) below.

South aisle 4: St Felix.

South aisle 4: This is the only known instance of the firm signing a window indicating that it was located in Reading.

South Aisle 4: St Edmund, Christ the King, and St Felix.

South Aisle 4: St Edmund, Christ as Priest & King, St Felix. 1930.

Posted 19 March 2026.

This is one of the last windows executed by the firm of Percy Bacon Limited. In 1930 the known output of the company was about 17 windows. Between 1930 and 1933 when the firm finally closed fewer than 5 per year were completed. The window depicts the standing figures of St Edmund, King and Martyr, Christ as priest and king, and St Felix. The figures of Ss Edmund and Felix were also used in a window of uncertain date in nearby St Martin's Church, Tuddenham. However, in this window, the names of Edmund and Felix have been transposed. How this error was overlooked is anyone's guess! This is the only known window which is signed "Percy Bacon Reading".

Above St Edmund a scroll reads: "[As arrows are] in the hand of a mighty man" (the first three words are missing probably due to a damaged part of the window having been replaced with clear glass). - Psalms, 127:4 (KJV).

Above Felix the scroll reads: "He which converteth save a soul from death" (sic).

The dedication reads:

"To the Glory of God and in memory of the Rev. Francis Haslewood, Portrait of the Rev. Francis Haslewood c1875.
A.K.C F.S.A For 25 years Rector of this Parish 1875 - 1900. Entered into rest 7^th April 1900. Erected by his family."

The lower section of the central light appears to have been modified, the pedestal on which Christ stands is abruptly cut off. The arms of Haslewood (Shropshire Branch)¹ have been added, along with the family motto; "Quod Me Mihi Redditt Amicum" (That makes me my friend).

Sanctuary: Reredos. 1904 (Percy Bacon & Brothers).

St Matthew's Church Ipswich, Reredos by Percy Bacon and Brothers

Sanctuary: Reredos, designed by John Shewell Corder, and executed by Percy Bacon & Brothers. 1904.

Reredos panel 1: Angel Gabriel.

Reredos panel 2: Three shepherds.

Reredos panel 3: Nativity scene.

Reredos panel 2: Three magi.

Reredos panel 5: Blessed Virgin Mary (Annunciation scene).

Reredos side panel.

Gilded statue representing St John.

Dedication panel.

Reredos, designed by John Shewell Corder, executed by Percy Bacon & Brothers. 1904.

St Matthew's Church, Ipswich, Reredos by Percy Bacon & Brothers

Reredos, dedication panel.

Posted 19 March 2026.

From The Builder 1904-10-01: Vol 87 Iss 3217, p343:

"— A new reredos, designed by Mr. J Shewell Corder, architect, of Ipswich, and executed by Messrs. Percy Bacon and Brothers, of London, has been inaugurated at this church.
It is constructed of oak, and extends across the entire width of the chancel. The centre portion is divided into five panels, three of which are carved in high relief and coloured beneath cusped and carved traceried canopies, surmounted by a carved cornice and cresting, the whole relieved and enriched by gilding. The centre panel exhibits the Nativity, the panel on its right showing the Shepherds, and the panel on its left the Magi. Flanking these panels, and divided from them by pinnacles, are two painted panels on the flat, representing the Annunciation, the one on the left depicting the Angel Gabriel, and the one on the right the Virgin. The centre portion of the reredos is divided from the wings by two more pinnacles of greater size, rising higher and containing niches, in one of which is placed the figure of St. Matthew, and in the other the figure of St. John. The wings extend on either side with cusped and traceried panels, divided by bands of carving, and surmounted by a carved cornice of angels with cresting over. The extremities of the reredos are terminated by carved and traceried pillars, each surmounted by an angel in a devotional attitude."

The reredos was given by John Fenn Cole, and dedicated to his wife Mary Anna Cole. This may not have been the original intended dedicatee. On 23^rd June 1900, the Ipswich Journal reported that, "It has been decided to erect a reredos in St. Matthew's Church, Ipswich, as a memorial to the late rector, the Rev. Francis Haslewood." ²

References: Use your browser's Back button to return to text.

Rev. Francis Haslewood (comp) The Genealogy of the Family of Haslewood Shropshire Branch. 1875.
Ipswich Journal, 23^rd June 1900, p5.

Location Map:

NGR: TM 15814 44726
Sat Nav Post Code: IP1 2AX