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Stained Glass of Percy Bacon & Brothers

Tavistock, St Eustachius.
Devon

Percy Bacon & Brothers, St Eustatius, Tavistock, Devon

South Aisle 1: Spes, Justitia, Misericordia & Pax.
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South Aisle 1: Spes, Justitia, Misericordia & Pax.



South Aisle 1: 1908:
Four Virtues: Spes, Justitia, Misericordia, Pax




Posted 09 December 2022.

There is a single Bacon Studios window in St Eustachius's. Of four lights with a single figure in each light. This is classic Bacon style, with soaring, elaborate canopies executed in white glass with yellow stain. In the two central lights golden winged angels stand within the canopies. The four figures represent four virtues; Hope, Justice, Mercy and Peace, their names in latin (Spes, Justitia, Misericordia and Pax).

The dedication reads:

To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Edred Marshall and Helena Oldrey his wife, entered into rest 11th March 1909 - 9th October 1908. This window was erected by their daughters and grandchildren.

Around each figure's head a scroll on which a biblical reference is written:

Spes: "The righteous hath hope in his death". (Proverbs 14:32),
Justitia: "Keep ye judgment and do justice". (Isaiah 56:1).
Misericordia: "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy". (Matthew 5:7).
Pax: "On earth peace goodwill toward men". (Luke 2:14).

Spes holds a open book with a line from Psalm 71, "In Thee O Lord, do I put my trust, let me never be put to confusion".

The detail of the painting is impressive, especially the folds and jewels in the figures' clothing.

Detail of the intricate painting aften associated with Percy Bacon's work

The theme of the window reflects the Edred Marshall's contribution to society. He was a justice of the peace in Plymouth, and founder and President of the Constitutional Club in Tavistock.1

The window is unsigned.


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  1. Notice of death of Edred Marshall and obituary: Western Morning News - Tuesday 12 March 1907, p5.
  2. Funeral of Edred Marshall: Western Morning News - Friday 15 March 1907, p5. Western Times - Friday 15 March 1907, p11.

Location Map:

NGR: SX 48130 74432
Sat Nav Post Code: PL19 8AU

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