Rare Pair of Gothic Stained Glass Panels. Circa 1850.

Pair of Large Gothic Stained Glass Panels. Circa 1850. Extremely rare and seldom available.

Two large stained glass window panels depicting St Stephen, in red robes. Comprises top and bottom panels, and forming a lancet window, tall and narrow, common in Gothic architecture. Provenance: "Orangery Church", Southwark, London. The figure is predominately robed in red, with bands of white and green. Figure with halo, and reading a book, set against a background of blue (heavenly) and ornate borders. The design also features a complex geometric pattern with vibrant colors (subject to strong back-lighting), including red, blue, gold, and green, typical of Gothic stained glass. A central part of the design resembles architectural elements (incorporating lion/dog heads), possibly inspired by the structure of a cathedral itself. The 'stained' glass painting with finest 'medieval' details throughout. Superb 'early' quality with rich / deep stained glass colours, and finely decorated.

Restored and Conserved, and sealed within glazing units for additional protection. These can be carefully separated with sharp blade and gentle heat-gun to the neoprene.

Condition: Restoration work meticulously carried out in 2005 by specialist stained glass studio and exhibition gallery (Bradford on Avon). The remainder and fragments of what would have comprised a third bottom window sadly could not be restored. Please see photo of the windows super-imposed vertically, indicative of the lancet window. The two panels with some minor cracks, small losses, and a few glass replacements (notably above the book).

* Possibly 1847 Pugin / Hardman stained glass windows (Southwark Cathedral). May have been removed during renovations, or surviving panels from the aftermath of bomb damage, Second World War (1941). Further research required. Superb.

Total height (both panels) = 1.94m (6ft 4") approx.

Dimensions: Each panel:
Height = 97cm
Width = 57.5cm
Depth = 2.5cm (thickness of glazing unit).

*The Stained Glass of A.W.N Pugin, Stanley A Shepherd. p255. "Southwark, St Georges Cathedral. Chancel Side Windows. The Ecclesiologist, 1848, noted regarding the two three-light windows on the south side and the one on the north. These are filled with painted glass by Mr Hardman. The drawing of which is due to Mr Pugin, is good, but the windows have Mr Hardman's usual fault, the want of sufficient brilliance...". The Tablet, 1848, reported "The three side windows contain images of St. George, S. Stephen, and S. Lawrence..".