Eglingham Memorials in the Church–East-Window-Carr-Ellison

Transcription

[Stain-glass window of circular light above two lancets, with inscription in thecircular light. Installed in 2001, it is the work of master glazier Gordon Wester.]

H.D.I. C-E 12.11.1899 – 10.2.1984 M.C. McM. C-E 26.7.1923 – 20.9.1996

[The following text is from sheet of paper near the window.]

“This window was given by Sir Ralph Carr-Ellison and his brother

R.S.C. Carr-Ellison in memory of their mother Hermoine Daphne McMorrough Carr-Ellison – 10.02.1984 and of Sir Ralph’s wife Mary Clare McMorrough Carr-Ellison 26.07.1923 – 20.09.1996

Commentary

The subject of this window is to celebrate the beauty of the landscape and the elements of nature in the surrounding countryside of Northumberland. At the base is the simple message of thanks from Psalm 92 Verse 5 – “O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep”.

The right hand lancet shows a river, its source high in the hills, a lowing life-giving force winding down through a valley. It passes into foreground where some of the local wild flora and fauna are seen. A Lapwing is seen flying above, a Fox drinks at the water and Oyster Catchers are feeding in the shallows.

The left hand lancet shows a calmer scene, depicting mans [sic] relationship with nature, in a more ordered way. From a peaceful garden full of flowers, a stone path leads one up a few stairs, into fields and up a hill where the retreat of Sherperd’s Law is seen against the sky. Sheep are grazing on the land.

Various analogies can be drawn from the elements in the design, which link the two lancets. The wild and the ordered. The path leading upwards visually mirrors the descending river, its waters, constantly renewing, are like nourishment from God. By means of the path we can ascend to a higher place for prayer and meditation. The dogs in the foreground, distantly related to the fox, but here a symbol of faithful companionship and out human relationship to the animal kingdom. The depicted horse, likewise, is an intelligent animal with which humankind shares a high level of communication and trust.

In the roundel above, set amongst growing leaves, are the initials and dates of the two people, in whose memory the window is dedicated. Andrew Taylor

Artist 2001”