New stained glass window unveiled in 12th Century church

A 12th Century church has revealed a new stained glass window, crafted by an internationally acclaimed artist. This artwork, created by Thomas Denny, now serves as a memorial window within St John’s Church in Tisbury, Wiltshire. Its completion spanned over a year, with glaziers at Salisbury Cathedral responsible for firing each individual pane. The project’s £250,000 expenditure was covered by grants and donations, a significant portion of which honored loved ones whose names are slated for inclusion in a dedicated book. Mr Denny stated, “The possibility of making a great east window for St John’s, Tisbury, was extraordinary.” He further explained his artistic approach: “I like to use techniques and materials that were familiar to 14th or 19th Century stained glass artists, partly because they are deeply rewarding in themselves, but also because their use helps a new work of art to settle in an ancient setting.” In 2012, a structural inspection of the church revealed the necessity of masonry repairs, which led to the removal of the previous Victorian east window. Following comprehensive discussions with heritage organizations, including The Victorian Society, the determination was made that the old window was too delicate for reinstallation, necessitating a new one. Subsequently, a significant fundraising effort commenced, and Mr Denny was selected for the artistic commission. His artistic contributions are visible in various structures and ecclesiastical sites both nationally and internationally, notably Gloucester Cathedral, Tewkesbury Abbey, Malvern Priory, and, most recently, Trinity Church, New York. The window’s central theme is “seeing,” which Mr Denny explained he “approached through passages from the Bible and through imagery of landscape and figures; it is a Wiltshire Epiphany.” The window’s realization represented not only a dedicated effort by the artist but also involved approximately 180 individuals contributing funds to honor a loved one, with their names and personal epitaphs to be inscribed in a book of remembrance. Sarah Douglas-Pennant, chair of the east window committee, commented, “It’s been remarkable, it’s been a wonderful thing because everybody came forward.” She added, “This was an opportunity for people to have a permanent place, which will hopefully last hundreds of years, to remember a beloved person who’s died.” Portions of the glass from the former east window were salvaged and are designated for incorporation into a new window that will overlook the Lady Chapel in the north aisle.