The Adoration of the Shepherds and the Magi and Scenes from the Early Life of Christ

Photo © Martin Crampin larger image

1957 Five-light window. Mary, Joseph and Christ-child at the centre of the window with shepherds and the Magi at either side and angels above. Saints in the outer lights and scenes below (from left to right): Christ at work as a carpenter with Joseph; Christ Among the Doctors of the Law; the Annunciation; Presentation in the Temple and the Baptism of Christ. technique: stained glass firm/studio: William Morris & Co (Westminster) designer: Frederick W. Cole Church of St Mary, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire north wall of the north transept Signed and dated 1957 by the firm with their portcullis mark. Text: 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace goodwill towards men' (Luke 2: 14). Given in memory of Lt Col William Williams (d. 1924) of the Hall, Abergavenny, his parents William and Mary Williams, his brothers John Edward and Charles Berry Williams, Rosetta Pierce, and of Walter and Mary Norris. The identity of the saints in the outer lights is not obvious. The male figure in the left-hand light has a bird on his shoulder, and represents David, although the bird does not look like a dove, his usual attribute. According to records at the church, the figure behind him is Hilda, and on the opposite side Alban is shown in striking colours, with Winefride behind him. The saints combine to represent the early church in Wales and England.  (ObjectID=475 ImageID=9889) Original File Name=Abergavenny_DSC2987-71A.jpg

This artwork is indexed under the following main subject(s):
for other works containing these subjects please click on the links.

• adoration of the Christ-child by the shepherds; Mary and Joseph present  [Luke 2:16]
• adoration of the kings: the Wise Men present their gifts to the Christ-child (gold, frankincense and myrrh)  [Matthew 2:11]
• baptism of Christ in the river Jordan: John the Baptist pouring out water on Christ's head: the Holy Ghost descends  [Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34]
• Christ's dispute with the doctors in the temple  [Luke 2:46-50]
• Joseph with the Christ-child (and Mary) in his carpenter's workshop - daily life in Nazareth 
• presentation of the Christ-child in the temple, usually Simeon and Anna present  [Luke 2:22-39]
• St Alban 
• St David 
• the Annunciation: Mary, usually reading, is visited by the angel  [Luke 1:26-38]

John Newman, The Buildings of Wales: Gwent/Monmouthshire (London/Cardiff: 2000), p. 94.

Directory of Master Glass Painters (London: Oriel Press (The British Society of Master Glass-Painters), 1972), p. 26.

Martin Crampin, Depicting St David (Talybont: Y Lolfa, 2020), p. 56.

Photo © Martin Crampin