Category Exhibition

Nov 7 2012

24-10-1866: Guide to the Intercolonial Exhibition of 1866, Melbourne, Victoria.

The Ferguson & Urie stained glass company displayed examples of their workmanship at many exhibitions over a forty year period from 1853.

The 1866 exhibition stands out as the most unique in the company history as being the one that gave them their greatest exposure on the eastern side of Australia and even into New Zealand.

An entire “Medieval Court” was constructed at the 1866 exhibition which included a detailed reconstruction of a church chancel decorated by Ferguson & Urie which was complete with stained glass windows. The idea for the medieval court was based on Augustus Welby Pugin’s Medieval Court, which was first shown at London’s International Exhibition of 1851 and then at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, between 1852 and 1866. This medieval court reconstruction at the 1866 Melbourne exhibition was the first of its kind seen in the Australian colony and drew and extraordinary crowd.

The most remarkable of the historical artifacts in the medieval court were Ferguson & Urie’s set of five single light stained glass windows depicting the Nativity, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. After the exhibition these windows were installed in the chancel of Christ Church at Casterton in Western Victoria and are still in place to this day, although there is a small mysterious anomaly as the the order the windows were installed!

“GUIDE TO THE INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION OF 1866”.

“THE MAIN HALL”.

“ON entering this hall from Latrobe-street, visitors who put themselves under our guidance will find, by turning immediately to the left before arriving at the fur trophy, which faces them, that they have come upon perhaps the last thing one might expect to encounter in an exhibition of the products and manufactures of a new colony – to wit, a Mediaeval Court, the whole of the decorations and contents of which are the work of two Melbourne houses, the one that of Mr. John Young, contractor, and the other that of Messrs. Ferguson, Urie and Lyon, glass-stainers, &c. The excellence of this court consists not more in the beauty of the various articles it contains than in the admirable tone of all the decorations, giving to the place that “dim, religious light” befitting the character it assumes. The stained-glass windows let into the partitions surrounding the court are mainly instrumental in producing this effect. The court is filled with statuary, fonts, and elaborately-ornamented wrought-iron articles, suitable for mediaeval church purposes. One of the statues represents the Madonna and Child; others personify St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Theresa. Attached to the walls near the roof are several of the quaintly-carved figures which catch the eye in old churches. These are intended for St. Patrick’s Cathedral, now in course of erection on the Eastern Hill. To complete the ingenious effect of this court as a complete work of art, Messrs. Ferguson, Urie and Lyon have constructed at the side opposite the entrance a recess representing an early English chancel, the decorations of which are most complete. The furniture of the chancel consists of an altar table, an illuminated oil painting of the last Supper, and illuminated tablets of the commandments, creed, and Lord’s Prayer. The light admitted to the chancel pours through five stained-glass windows, representing respectively the nativity, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension. These are designed for the Episcopalian Church at Casterton. The walls are also artistically decorated, and altogether this chancel, with the court leading to it, make up one of the most remarkable objects of the Exhibition”.

Related posts: 10-06-1867 > 25-10-1865 > 03-11-1866 > 20-12-1866

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Jun 25 2012

02-09-1861: Tarrengower Victoria. John Lamb Lyon stained glass.

The Argus, Melbourne, Monday 2nd September 1861, page 5.

“Amongst the contributions which Tarrengower will forward to the forthcoming Exhibition will be a stained-glass window, in the Early English style, the work of Mr. John Lyon, of Maldon”.

There is obviously insufficient detail in the article to distinguish the description of this window from many other windows described as of “Early English style” and there have been no other articles of the time to associate it by dates.  The only other extant window from the same period of late 1861,  is the Ferguson & Urie two light chancel window of St Margaret’s Church in Eltham which is the earliest known extant window by the firm with evidence of communication with Ferguson & Urie and the church in November 1861.

Lyon is not known to have joined Ferguson & Urie until late 1861, making this ‘Tarrengower’ window his own work, but collaboration is possible. If he had created the window completely of his own accord it could only have been done on a very small scale, assuming he did not have any commercial sized kiln for firing the glass in the tiny township of Maldon. Interestingly the exhibition list of awards published in December 1861, mentions Lyon’s entry as a ‘design for stained glass’ and not actually a window!

The English stained glass artist David Relph Drape is known to have been in Maldon at the exact same time as Lyon and they are both likely to have collaborated in the design and manufacture of the two light west window of the Holy Trinity church in Maldon in 1863. Drape was also the architect of Holy Trinity and commenced work with Ferguson & Urie as a stained glass artist on the 8th November 1863.

Related posts:

John Lamb Lyon, Stained Glass Artist, (1835-1916)

External links:

Biography: John Lamb Lyon (1835–1916)

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Mar 11 2012

30-11-1875: Closure of Melbourne Colonial Exhibition.

The Argus, Melbourne, Tuesday 30th November 1875, page 5.

On the closure of the Melbourne Colonial Exhibition, some of Ferguson & Urie’s stained glass were chosen by the committee to be included as exhibition examples to be shipped to New York on the “Skerryvore” on Saturday the 4th of December 1875 for participation in the Philadelphia exhibition.

Mar 11 2012

17-09-1875: The Victorian Exhibition awards of 1875.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 17th September 1875, page 3.

“JURY AWARDS AT THE EXHIBITION”

 “Lyon, Cottier, and Co, Sydney, 119, stained window, second prize”.

“Ferguson and Urie, Melbourne – 120, 121. stained windows, &c, first prize”.

Mar 11 2012

02-09-1875: The 1875 Victorian Exhibition Catalogue.

Ferguson & Urie exhibited their stained glass work at the Victorian Intercolonial Exhibition which was opened on the 2nd of September 1875. The official catalogue of exhibits, page 47 Group 4, listed Ferguson & Urie as well as former business partner John Lamb Lyon as Lyon, Cottier & Co of Sydney, exhibiting along side each other. The articles make mention of “Mr Clarke’s mansion, Sunbury” known as Rupertswood, now operating as boutique accommodation and events venue. The Rupertswood windows, span two floors and contain scenes of hunting and countryside that were the work of the firms’ senior stained glass artist David Relph Drape, some of which have Drapes name hidden within the scenery.

The Victorian Intercolonial Exhibition Catalogue 1875, page 47.

– LYON, COTTIER & CO., Sydney, New South Wales. Stained Glass Stairwell Window. Subject – “Captain Cook”.
– FERGUSON & URIE, 10 Collins-street East, Melbourne. Staircase on wall Window, “The Seasons”, Staircase on wall Window, “Rob Roy”, Portion of Staircase Window for Mr. Clarke’s mansion, Sunbury, Embossed Plate Glass for do, “Chillingworth Wild Cattle”, “The Maries at the Tomb”, “The Charge to Peter”, Samples of margins.

Notes on the above tabloid article:

1. “The Seasons” – unknown (possibly Mandeville Hall, Toorak).
2. “Rob Roy” – unknown.
3. Clarke’s Mansion Sunbury – This is ‘Rupertswood’ – All stained glass is extant.
4. “The Maries at the Tomb” – unknown.
5. “The Charge to Peter” – unknown.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 3rd September 1875, page 3s

“The exhibits of Messrs. Ferguson and Urie, Nos. 120-121, afford gratifying proof of the demand which exists amongst us for works of decNotes:orative art, and the designs for the works which have been executed by them give us some idea of the extent to which the local manufacturers of painted glass have drawn upon in the decoration of our churches and large dwellings. The designs of almost all these, as well as that in the specimens exhibited, are excellent – lacking, if anything, in boldness – the colours in almost all instances being rich, and at the same time harmonious. Messrs. Ferguson and Urie have, we suppose, to consult the taste of their patrons, which is, we do them the justice to believe, the reason why a picture on glass of Chillingham Cattle has been prepared. Nothing more contrary to the true principals which should have been kept steadily in view in this development of art could possibly be conceived. As an illustration of glass painting of quite a different, but at the same time more boldly artistic school, attention must be called to a staircase window, designed as a memorial of Cook, the navigator, the seated figure being designed by a thorough artist, and the patterns containing illustrations of the typical animals and birds of Australia being especially worthy of notice. The colour is, however, wanting in richness. This exhibit is from the workshops of Messrs. Lyon, Cottier, and Co., Sydney.”

Excerpt from Intercolonial exhibition 1875 – Official Catalogue Advertiser:

“FERGUSON & URIE, GLASS STAINERS, No. 10 Collins Street East. Memorial, Heraldic, and Grisaille; Stained Glass Windows for Churches and other Buildings, executed at the Stained Glass Works, Curzon-street, North Melbourne. Illuminated Commandments and Wall Decorations; Embossed Plate and Sheet Glass, any pattern; Lead Lights in Cathedral, Crown, Sheet and Ornamental Glass. Designs submitted with Estimate of Cost. Awarded two Medals, Melbourne Exhibition, 1867. Stained Glass Works, Curzon-street, North Melbourne”.

Mar 10 2012

29-10-1875: Intercolonial Exhibition, Melbourne, 1875.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 29 October 1875, page 7.

INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION 1875 – Prize list:

“[…] GROUP IV – GLASS AND MANUFACTURES OF GLASS. Special Awards By Commissioners. Ferguson and Urie, 10 Collins-street east – Wall windows and staircase windows, silver medal. Lyon, Cottier, and Co, Sydney – Stained glass stair case window, medal.[…]”

An interesting article that shows former employee and partner, John Lamb Lyon, competing alongside Ferguson & Urie at the exhibition.

Mar 4 2012

10-01-1873: Melbourne Exhibition of 1873.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 10 January 1873, page 6.

At the Melbourne Exhibition of 1873, Ferguson, Urie & Lyon were awarded a Silver Medal for exhibit 229 under section 3 – ‘Miscellaneous’, for Stained Glass and drawings.

The Victorian Exhibition was held in Melbourne from the 6th November 1872 to 8th January 1873 and exhibited almost entirely Victorian products that were intended to be shown at the London International Exhibition of 1873 (14 Apr 1873 – 31 October 1873).

Feb 26 2012

07-10-1870: The 1870 Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition.

The Ferguson & Urie Stained Glass company actively participated in exhibitions from as early as 1854. There was minor mention of the company exhibiting stained glass samples at the Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition in 1870.

The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW, Friday 7th October 1870, page 8.

 “THE EXHIBITION IN PRINCE ALFRED PARK, SYDNEY.

 THE summary of news by the Avoca contained an account of the ceremony observed on the occasion of the opening of the Metropolitan Intercolonial Exhibition on the 3oth August. This exhibition was called into existence under the auspices of the Agricultural Society of New South Wales, and it has proved a splendid success. It has been to this colony what the Great Exhibition of 1851 was to England – what the Exposition Universelle of Paris was to France in 1862. It has attracted large numbers of people from all parts of New South Wales, and also from other colonies of Australasia…”

 “HIGHLY COMMENDED …”

 “…1471 Samples stained glass, Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, Melbourne…”

Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, Melbourne, Monday 10th October 1870, page 174.

“THE INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION. No. 1.Last month we announced the opening of the Intercolonial Exhibition at Sydney; we are now able to give full particulars with regard to the character of he various exhibits, especially those sent from Victoria…”

“… Some of the handsomest features of this portion of the building are the stained glass windows of Ferguson, Urie and Lyon, of Curzon-street, of which there are seven, representing Christ’s Charge to Peter, Salvator Mundi, Charge to Peter, Immaculate Conception, and some others filled with heraldic designs…”

As at June 2012, no match or further detail has been found regarding the windows described.

External links:

Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition 1870

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Feb 26 2012

22-09-1870: The 1870 Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition.

At the 1870 Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition, Ferguson & Urie were recommended for a bronze medal for their samples of stained glass, but the judges inquire as to some authenticity that the work was actually crafted in the Victorian Colony.

The Argus, Melbourne, Thursday 22 September 1870, page 6.

 “… Messrs. Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon have been recommended for a bronze medal for their very beautiful samples of stained glass. But there are two Sydney competitors in the same line, and the judges have intimated a wish that some sort of certificate had been forwarded guaranteeing that the alleged Victorian work was really done in Victoria. They have instituted a very close inquiry to ascertain whether the Sydney exhibits were really produced in New South Wales, but they have no means of prosecuting similar inquiries about the exhibits from other colonies…”

Evening News, Sydney, NSW, Tuesday 27th September 1870, page 4.

Exhibit “1471 Samples stained glass, Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, Melbourne.”

 

External links:

Example of a Bronze medal at the 1875 exhibition presented to Lyon & Cottier.

Feb 26 2012

03-09-1870: Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition 1870.

Australian Town and Country Journal, NSW, Saturday 3 September 1870, page 11.

 “NON-AGRICULTURAL. SECTION 1 – THE FINE ARTS”.

 “..On the other side, near the principal front, are several painted windows, from Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, of Melbourne. The first is a coat of arms, the crest being boars’ heads, with the motto “Dulcius ex asperis;” on the other side of the same window is the Royal Arms of England, the lion and the unicorn in a somewhat novel attitude. Between these are small lights representing Christ giving to St. Peter charge of his sheep, and over this the virgin crowned with stars. Further on is a larger light representing the charge to Peter; in this painting the sheep are represented with much art in the foreground and all the eleven apostles appear around and behind the Saviour.”

Note: “Dulcius ex asperis” is the Latin motto for the Scottish Clan Fergusson meaning: “Sweeter after difficulties”. There is also a depiction of the coat of arms with the same motto in an element of the Glenferrie window at the Melbourne Museum.
External links:
Feb 26 2012

12-08-1870: Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition 1870.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 12th August 1870, page 4.

“The Dandenong, which sailed yesterday for Sydney, conveyed 60 packages for the Intercolonial Exhibition. The exhibits included specimens of auriferous quartz from Messrs. Latham and Watson; Pianos of local manufacture from Messrs. Wilkie, Kilner, and Co; an interesting mineralogical collection from Professor Abel, of Ballarat; stained glass from Messrs. Fergusson,[sic] Urie, and Lyon; and a large quantity of agricultural implements, beer, spirits, oatmeal, and biscuits. The Victorian commissioners intend to make their last shipment by the City of Adelaide, as they have already exceeded the time allowed them by the Sydney authorities.”

Feb 24 2012

17-04-1869: An Art Treasures Exhibition is held at the hall of the Public Library Melbourne.

The South Australian Register, Saturday 17th April 1869, page 3.

 “[…] Several additions have been made to the Exhibition, and among the most remarkable is a painted window, illustrative of the seasons, the work of Messrs. Ferguson, Urie & Lyon, glass-stainers of Hotham[…].”

 Note: This refers to the window for John Wilson’s mansion “Woodlands” near Ararat in western Victoria.

Related posts: 13-04-1869 > 1868

Feb 19 2012

10-06-1867: The late 1866 Melbourne Intercolonial Exhibition.

The 1867 Melbourne Intercolonial Exhibition.

Results of the late Intercolonial Exhibition – Special Awards made on behalf of the commissioners by the council of chairman or jurors.

The Argus, Melbourne, Monday 10th June 1867, page 7.

In Class V: “[…] Ferguson, Urie & Lyon. – For enterprise and skill in the production of stained glass for ecclesiastical purposes, and for their liberal contributions to the Medieval Court […]”.

Feb 17 2012

20-12-1866: The Medieval Court at the 1866 Melbourne Exhibition

The Chancel windows of Christ Church Anglican at Casterton in Western Victoria were displayed at the 1866 Melbourne Exhibition.

The Ferguson & Urie stained glass company created and decorated an entire chancel for the Exhibitions ‘Medieval Court’ display and the stained glass windows were the central exhibit before being installed in the Casterton Church. Who was actually contracted to install them is still a mystery as the first two windows were installed out of sequence with the ‘Passion’ preceding the ‘Nativity’. Also of note is that Joseph does not appear in the Nativity scene.

The coloured photos were taken 8th January 2011.

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The Australian News for Home Readers, Vic, Thursday 20th December 1866, page 8.

“MEDIEVAL COURT”

“One would scarcely expect to find a Medieval Court in an exhibition of the products, of a new colony; but such a court there is, intended to illustrate portions of ecclesiastical architecture; and it constitutes, perhaps, the most pictorially effective part of the whole building. Messrs Ferguson, Urie and Lyon, glass stainers, Curzon-street, North Melbourne, exhibit a decorated chancel, the ceiling of which has for a centrepiece the Agnus Dei, surrounded with scriptural texts and gothic clouds. The other portion of the ceiling is divided into twelve compartments, having the emblems of the twelve Apostles. The walls are diapered with simple but chaste pattern. It is lighted with five stained glass windows, the subjects of which are the Nativity, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. These windows are made for the chancel of the church at Casterton, and are exhibited by permission of the Rev. Dr. Russell. At the altar are two richly illuminated tablets of the commandment, Lords prayer and creed; also an illuminated painting of the Last Supper. A considerable quantity of stained glass is exhibited, consisting of ecclesiastical and domestic styles; also, numerous samples of stained and embossed borders and small subjects. On the right hand side of the court is a carved baptismal font in Caen stone, designed and executed by Mr John Young, contractor, Melbourne. It is all colonial workmanship. The upper portion is octagonal, representing the four Evangelists. At the top of the shaft are masses of carved foliage with heads interspersed, while at each angle of the shaft, which is double, are buttresses wreathed and moulded. The outer one has got headed open panels cut entirely through showing the centre shaft of the interior. In the splays of he base are clusters of foliage carved from real flowers and leaves, but Gothicised after the decorated period. The base represents evil spirits in the form of dragons, emblematical of the Sacrament of baptism casting them down. The lid of the font is of carved colonial blackwood, polished, ornamented with wrought iron to suit the general workmanship of the whole. In this department are also some highly ornate water fonts, sculptured by Mr. F. Utyco; a number of figures carved in wood for the internal decoration of St. Patrick’s cathedral, an altar and fittings, some hand rails, and several statues of saints.”

The 1866 Melbourne Intercolonial Exhibition was held in a specially built ‘Great Hall’ on a site behind the State Library’s Queens Hall in Swanston Street Melbourne.

Casterton Christ Church 99A

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Feb 17 2012

03-11-1866: The 1866 Intercolonial Exhibition.

The Brisbane Courier, QLD, Saturday 3rd November 1866, page 6.

“VICTORIA”

“Our files from Melbourne are October 25. The Age of that date contains the following description of the Intercolonial Exhibition opened on that date:- […]”

“[…] In class 4- the manufacturers and the useful arts- special and deserved mention must be made of the exhibits of Messrs. Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, glass-stainers, North Melbourne. This firm were exhibitors in 1854, but have evidently made great strides during the last twelve years. Their display is unique, and will form one of the attractions of the Exhibition, particularly during the evening, when the illuminated paintings and stained glass windows have their effects brought into prominence by a profuse display of gas light. […]”

Feb 17 2012

25-10-1865: The 1866 Melbourne Exhibition.

 The Argus, Melbourne, Thursday 25th October 1866, page 5,
The Argus, Melbourne, Saturday 27th October 1866, page 2s.
The Launceston Examiner, Monday 29th October 1866, page 3,
The Goulburn Herald and Chronicle, NSW, Saturday 3rd November 1866, page 2.

“OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION”.

“The third Melbourne Exhibition of natural products and works of art was formally opened by His Excellency the Governor at noon yesterday, in the presence of a large concourse of ladies and gentlemen. […]”

“THE VICTORIAN COURTS MAIN HALL”.

“The centre and left side of the main hall are occupied entirely by Victorian products. The display in these courts is extensive and varied. It is natural that the wealthiest and most populous of the colonies should be the largest contributor to the exhibition;…”

“… At the interior side of the mediaeval department, Messrs. Ferguson, Urie, and Lyon, glass stainers, North Melbourne, exhibit and early English chancel, decorated in a highly artistic style. In the centre of the ceiling is the Agnus Dei, surrounded with inscription and Gothic clouds. Radiating from this are twelve panels each containing an emblem of the twelve apostles. The walls are neatly diapered. Over the altar table is an illuminated oil painting of the “Last Supper,” on each side of which are illuminated tablets of the Commandments, creed, and Lord’s Prayer. The windows, five in number, are of stained glass and illustrate the Nativity, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension, intended for the Episcopalian Church at Casterton. Over the windows is the scripture text, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. In the medieval court, the same firm exhibit a variety of stained glass windows, the principal of which are a Salvator Mundi, a memorial , and a heraldic device, besides numerous samples of stained and embossed glass. In embossed plate, they exhibit two samples- one with stained borders, and suited for a hall window; the other a large plate, nine feet by four, for the staircase of Mr. W. J. Greig, of Toorak. In the fine-arts court, they exhibit numerous coloured designs of windows they have executed during the past five years. The whole of the articles shown by this firm are made on their own premises, and show a very satisfactory state of art in this department…”

Nothing further is known about the staircase window mentioned for W. J. Greig of Toorak.

Feb 12 2012

24-12-1862: The Geelong Exhibition.

The Mercury, Hobart, Saturday 27th December 1862, page 3.

“GEELONG INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION (From the Herald Correspondent). Friday, 19th December”.

“The fact that the Industrial Exhibition in Geelong is to be opened to-morrow afternoon by his Excellency the Governor does not appear to create much stir or excitement in this usually dull town. The idea of an exhibition of colonial, and more especially local products, was first conceived by some gentlemen shortly after the Industrial Exhibition was held in Melbourne, and since then it has been steadfastly kept in view. In answer to the invitation requesting persons to send articles in for show, some five hundred applications were made for room, and, with so many entries, the committee felt themselves warranted in proceeding with the exhibition. The Mechanics Institute being the largest building in Geelong in which such an exhibition could take place, it was accordingly selected…”

“….Messrs. Ferguson and Urie, of Curzon street, North Melbourne have sent in a good collection of colonial stained glass”.

Feb 12 2012

07-12-1861: The 1861 Melbourne Industrial Exhibition.

The 1861 Melbourne Industrial Exhibition is recognised as the event that changed the course of the Ferguson & Urie Company history. This exhibition is where the Scottish Stained Glass Artist, John Lamb Lyon would have undoubtedly been convinced to join the firm in late 1861.

Ferguson & Urie received an honorable mention for ornamental glazing, and John Lamb Lyon, for a design for stained glass. Lyon joined the firm a short time after this exhibition and between 1866-1873 was installed as a partner in the firm.

The 1861 Exhibition was almost exclusively Victorian. The poorly constructed exhibition building was erected in William Street and was prone to leaking. The glass roof, supposedy copied from the London’s Crystal Palace, was painted white during 1857–58. The Exhibition Building was the main concert venue for the Melbourne Philharmonic Society from 1854 to 1866 and also served as an interim lecture theatre for the university (1855) and as the venue for Temperance League rallies in 1857. The last function to be held there was Governor Darling’s Vice-Regal Ball of 1864 and it was demolished in the late 1860s, and the existing Mint building erected on the site during 1871–72. [1]

The Argus, Melbourne, Saturday 7th December 1861, page 7.

“THE EXHIBITION. LIST OF AWARDS”.

“The following completes the list of awards in connexion with the Industrial Exhibition …”.

“HONOURABLE MENTION …”

“Fergusson [sic] and Urie – Ornamental glazing”

“Lyon, J.N [sic] – Design for stained glass …”

Exhibition building 1861 latrobe-56-009a

Melbourne’s first exhibition building photographed during the
1861 Melbourne Exhibition (Source SLV I.TAF 451)

The 1872 Mint Building which now stands on the site of the first Exhibition Building

The Mint Building built in 1872 in William Street, which now stands on the site of the first Exhibition Building

Foot notes:

[1] The Latrobe Journal, No 56, Spring 1995.

Feb 11 2012

28-02-1855: The 1855 Victorian Exhibition, Melbourne.

At the Victorian Exhibition in Melbourne in late 1854, the Ferguson & Urie company were awarded certificates for exhibit 69, Plumber’s work, and exhibit 455, for stained windows. This appears to be the earliest indication of the companies foray into the art of stained glass windows. The extraordinary rate of the erection of churches in the colony, and the Gothic revival in art and architecture, now becomes the driving force in the companies future direction and its part in the formation and history of the colony.

Unfortunately no further articles of significance appear in relation to the company dabbling in stained glass between 1855 and 1860. The gold rush was well under way and practically every able bodied builder and craftsman had left for the central Victorian Goldfields with a shovel over his shoulder.

The company’s next significant breakthrough and change of direction would begin in late 1861.

The Argus, Melbourne, Wednesday 28th February 1855, page 8.

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