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Stained Glass of Percy Bacon & Brothers

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, St Nicholas Cathedral
Tyne and Wear

Posted 21 July 2024.

Percy Bacon and Brothers were to visit Newcastle Cathedra a number of times between 1895 and 1921, executing three windows, two of which were war memorials, as well as decorating the altar in the Chapel of the Incarnation at the east end of the ambulatory. These are discussed below in chronological order.

Left light upper: Christ beholds Jerusalem.
Left light, lower: Jerusalem is attacked, and burned by Romans, the banner sporting "SPQR". This may indicate a belief that the words of Jesus in Luke 19:41-43 were a prophecy of the siege of Jerusalem in 70CE, and destruction of the second temple.
Ctr left light: Jesus evicts the money lenders and dove sellers from the temple. In his hand he holds a scourge which, as related in John 2:15, he had just made.
Ctr left light lower: Achan is brought before Joshua. The miniature saint on the right may be a representation of the Venerable Bede.
Ctr right light: Jesus rebukes the scribes and pharisees. This may be a further nod to the story of the sack of Jerusalem in 70CE. Following the destruction of the Jew's mother city and the second temple, sacrificial worship was slowly replaced with Rabbinic Judaism.
Ctr right light lower: Jesus curses and withers the fig tree. Again a prophetic parable. In cursing the fig tree, as John McEvilly states in his gospel commentary, "His [Jesus's] justice on the sinners who bring forth not the expected fruits of grace."
Right light upper: Jesus leaves the temple and addresses his disciples with more prophetic words.
Right light lower: The vision of the lamb bleeding from the heart from the Book of Revelation, or the adoration of the mystic lamb. In the foreground noblemen, monks and clergy (one of whom appears to be Gregory the Great. In the background, mitred clergy and a throng of people watch on the Agnus Dei."

North Aisle: Judgement of the Lord. All photos courtesy of Paul Danaher.

North Aisle. The Judgement of the Lord. 1895
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This window of 1895 is a splendid example of the style Percy Bacon had adopted in the late 19th century. The theme of the window is “The Judgement of the Lord”. A design on this theme, and reported to have been destined for Newcastle Cathedral was exhibited at the Castle Assembly Rooms, Richmond-upon-Thames as early as February 1893.1

The detail is impressive. Each light is divided vertically, with a larger scene above and a smaller one below, both enclosed within Bacon’s trademark elaborate architectonic niches. Wide side columns frame the scenes. These are predominantly of white glass in accordance with Bacon’s “Question of Light” rule by which the painter must allow the windows to answer their primary purpose; that of admitting light. Within niches incorporated into the side columns are miniature figures of male and female saints, some readily identifiable by the inclusion of their attributes or symbols. The main themes illustrate four acts of Jesus (described e.g. in Matthew chap 21 through 24); From left to right: Jesus beholds Jerusalem, cleansing the temple, rebuking the scribes and Pharisees, and leaving the temple to address his disciples. Each scene contains a scroll with a relevant verse from the gospels. Beneath each main scene, is a smaller one, also with identifying text in scroll. These illustrate; Jerusalem compassed by armies (Luke 20:20), Achan before Joshua (Joshua 7:13-23), Jesus cursing and withering the fruit-less fig tree (Matt 21:19), the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:22). These lower scenes appear somewhat disconnected in terms of narrative, but are bound together under the theme of “judgement”. This is further reinforced by the angels standing in niches at the top of the two central lights, one holding a sword, the other the scales of justice. Presented here in the order they appear in the window, the inscriptions in the scrolls read:

Thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee and compass thee round.
(Luke 19:43).
Make not My Father's house an house of merchandise. (John 2:16). Woe unto you for ye have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgement, and faith. (Matt. 23:23). There shall not be left one stone upon another. (Matt. 24:2).
Jerusalem compassed with enemies (Luke 20:20) There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel. (Joshua 7:13) Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward and forever (Matt 21:19) And I saw no temple therein (Revelation 21:22)

The window is unsigned.

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NA9. St Hubert as Bishop of Liege.
NA9. Emperor Constantine.
NA9. St Martin as Bishop of Tours.
NA9. Predella: Arms of Durham, Northumberland, and Newcastle.

North Aisle 9: Boer War Memorial

North Aisle 9. Boer War Memorial. 1903
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This three-light window is dedicated to the memory of the 94 men of the Northumberland and Durham Imperial Yeomanry who lost their lives during the Boer War. The Newcaslte Evening Chronical of 17th April 1903 reported that Percy Bacon had been personally drawn and painted the glass.

The window depicts:

Left: St Hubert as Bishop of Liege.
Centre: Emperor Constantine.
Right: St Martin as Bishop of Tours.

In the predella, demi-angels hold shields bearing (left to right) the coats of arms of Durham, (Kingdom of) Northumerland (attributed), and Newcastle.

The window was commissioned by committee chaired by Matthew White Ridley, 1st Viscount Ridley.2 Percy Bacon & Brothers also manufactured the brass tablet which accompanies the window which lists the names of those who served with the NDIY who lost their lives in the South African campaign of 1900-02.

The window is unsigned.

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Chapel of the Incarnation altar decoration.
Chapel of the Incarnation altar decoration.
Chapel of the Incarnation altar decoration.

Chapel of the Incarnation: Altar Decoration, 1909.

Chapel of the Incarnation. Altar Decoration. 1909
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The Chapel of the Incarnation is in the east side of the ambulatory. The altar frontal (the gift of a "worshipper)3 is of oak, covering the front and ends. Executed in a decidedly "Arts and Crafts" style, the design consists, of five panels on the front, with richly-traceried heads and separated by small buttresses in pairs; with small traceried panels between. Similar panels occupy the ends. The five large panels are filled with painting's representing; in the centre, Our Lady and Child, with attendant angels on the others. Carving was executed by Ralph Hedley of Newcastle, all from the designs of Messrs. Oliver, Leeson, & Wood, architects. The altar was dedicated in February 1909.4

The work is unsigned.

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

  1. Richmond Herald - Friday 10 February 1893, p8.
  2. London Evening Standard. 15 January 1903.
  3. Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 2nd February 1909, p6.
  4. The Builder Vol 96 1909 27 Feb, p253. North Mail, Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 02 Feb 1909, p6.

Location Map:

NGR: NZ 24991 64010
Sat Nav Post Code: NE1 1PF

All text and photos © Alan Spencer, except where otherwise stated; All Rights Reserved