This glass was made for the west window of Fromond’s Chantry, an early fifteenth-century chapel in the College cloisters. The project was funded with a legacy from Sir Oswald Simpkin (Warden, 1932-36).

Designs for the window were made by Reginald Gleadowe, Drawing Master at Winchester from 1923 to 1939. The work remained unfinished on his death in 1944 and was completed by Kenneth Knowles (College, 1921-27).

The lower section of the window follows Gleadowe’s original design, showing lilies and roses springing from the earth. These were intended to symbolise creation, and, through their association with the Virgin, are a reminder of College’s Marian dedication. The tracery lights were designed by Knowles, but based on a single glass angel made to Gleadowe’s design. They show the orders of angels, surmounted by stars. The top lights show the Annunciation.

 

Provenance: Commissioned by Winchester College

Literature: R. Foster (ed.), Fifty Treasures from Winchester College (London, 2019), pp. 126-27

Location: Fromond’s Chantry