Stained Glass of Percy Bacon & Brothers

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. With the exception of the window of 1895 (Scenes in the Life of Christ), these are discussed below in chronological order.

NA9: Boer War Memorial: Dedicated to the Northumberland and Durham Imperial Yeomanry.

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

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 charied by Matthew White Ridley, 1^st Viscount Ridley.¹ 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 Afircan campaign of 1900-02.

The window is unsigned.

Predella: Arms of Durham, Northumberland, and Newcastle

NA9: Predella - Arms of Durham, Northumberland, and Newcastle.

Commemorative plaque.

NA9: The brass plate which accompanies the window lists the names of those who served in the Northumberland and Durham Imperial Yeomanry during the South Africa Campaign of 1900-02..

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Chapel of the Incarnation altar dectoration.

Chapel of the Incarnation altar dectoration.

Chapel of the Incarnation altar dectoration.

Chapel of the Incarnation altar dectoration.

Chapel of the Incarnation: Altar Decoration, 1909.

The Chapel of the Incarnation is in the east side of the ambulatory. The altar frontal (the gift of a "worshipper)² 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 1909.³

The work is unsigned.

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1. London Evening Standard. 15 January 1903.
2. Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 2nd February 1909, p6.
3. The Builder Vol 96 1909 27 Feb, p253. North Mail, Newcastle Daily Chronicle, 02 Feb 1909, p6.