Tag Archives: Stained Glass

May 27 2012

18-10-1884: The Risby Memorial window, St George’s, Queenscliff, Victoria.

The stained glass window by Ferguson & Urie was erected  to the memory of the St George’s church choir member, Susanna  Lavinia Risby who died at the age of twenty seven on the 29th January 1884. The window was  installed in the west wall of St George’s Anglican Church in Queenscliff in early October 1884. It depicts Saint Cecilia, the patroness of musicians and Church music.

Between the year of the opening of the church in 1864 and the year 1892, all the windows of St George’s were fitted with stained glass window by Ferguson & Urie and a number of these were restored by Bruce Hutton of Almond Glass in 2005. In 1958 a vestry was added to the church and in 1995 two modern stained glass windows were placed in the vestry created by stained glass artist Derek Pearse.

Only the Risby memorial window is displayed here. See bottom of page for other related posts for St George’s stained glass. Photos were taken 25th September 2010.

Queenscliff Sentinel, Saturday 18th October 1884, page 1.

“A beautiful lancet-shaped stained glass light, from the factory of Messrs Ferguson and Urie, of Melbourne, having for its centre figure St Cecilia, the patroness of church music, has this week been placed in the West end of St George’s Church, by her relatives in memory of the late Miss Risby, who was one of the members of the choir”.

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The Argus, Melbourne, Thursday 31 January 1884, page 1.

“THE remains of SUSANNAH LAVINIA RISBY, of Queenscliff, youngest daughter of the late Thomas Risby, will be interred in the Melbourne General Cemetery THIS DAY (THURSDAY), 31st January, 1884. The funeral will leave the Spencer-street railway station on the arrival of the 10 o’clock a.m. train from Geelong”.

Susannah was buried with her parents at the Melbourne General Cemetery but her name is not mentioned on the memorial stone.

The Queenscliff Sentinel, Saturday 2nd February 1884, page 2.

“We regret to record the death of a young lady, Miss Risby, who during her residence in our community has shown a quiet example of good works, especially in the choir and in the Sunday school of St. George’s Church. Her cheerful disposition and willingness to oblige made her a great favourite wherever she was known. Great men pass away and are missed; but humble workers, by their unselfishness and little deeds of kindness, help in their own way, to make the world happier and better to live in”.

The Queenscliff Sentinel, Saturday 2nd February 1884, page 2.

“TO THE EDITOR OF THE SENTINEL”

“I desire to return sincere thanks on behalf of myself and the late Miss S. Risby’s sisters, to the numerous kind friends on Queenscliff, who have during her long illness shown such constant,  unremitting attention in every way possible for a neighbour to do. To mention names would be invidious, nay, almost impossible, but the loving services will always be present to our minds in connection with the, to us, sad event, – to her the glorious change.

CHAS.  CURTIS. Neptune Cottage, Jan 30, 1884″.

Related posts: 22-02-1864 > 29-01-1866 > 13-08-1867 > 12-02-1881 > 07-04-1882 >18-10-1884 > 30-12-1893

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May 15 2012

26-03-1883: St Luke’s Anglican Church, South Melbourne.

The foundation stone of St Luke’s Church of England was laid by Sir Henry Barkly on the 9th of  March 1857 at South Melbourne (at which time it was known as Emerald Hill).  The land the church now resides on was reserved in the original township plan back in 1852. The church was designed by Francis White and had a frontage to Clarendon Street before the church later sold it for retail development in the 1900’s which changed their address to the Dorcas street frontage. Architect Charles Webb added Transepts to the church in 1862 and it is the North Transept that has the Ferguson & Urie stained glass window.

The window depicts “Jesus in the House of Martha and Mary” and was installed in March 1883 to the memory of Mary Skeats (1817-1879) and has the memorial inscription “In Loving Memory of Mary the beloved wife of Charles Skeats, July 24th 1879.”

Photos taken 13th May 2012.

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Record, Emerald Hill, Vic, Friday 30th March 1883, page 3.

“…A very fine memorial window has also been placed in the church by Messrs. Ferguson and Urie in their most expensive style, to the order of Mr. Charles Skeats, in memory of his wife, Mary. The subject he has, therefore, very appropriately chosen, is Christ with Mary and Martha – “Mary hath chosen that good part,” &c. It is placed over the seat where Mrs. Mary Skeats used to sit in the church.”

The Argus, Melbourne, Monday 26th March 1883, page 5.

“Great improvements have been recently effected in St. Luke’s Church, Emerald-hill. The temporary arrangements of the east end of the church have been entirely altered, the choir seats, pulpit, and Communion table have all been rearranged, and a carpet and cedar reredos, with Gothic paneling, provided. A memorial window of stained glass has been also placed in the north transept by Mr Charles Skeats, in memory of his wife Mary Skeats, who used to sit in that part of the church. The subject is. “Mary hath chosen that good part,” &c.” 

The Argus, Melbourne, Saturday 26th July 1879, page 1.

SKEATS – On the 24th inst., at No. 10 Romsey-terrace, St Vincent place, Emerald hill, Mary, the beloved wife of Charles Skeats, Esq., aged 61 years. Deeply regretted.

The Argus, Melbourne, Friday 25th July 1879, page 8.

“THE Friends of CHARLES SKEATS, Esq., are respectfully invited to follow the remains of his beloved wife to the place of interment, the Melbourne General Cemetery.
The funeral is appointed to leave his residence, No 10 Romsey-terrace, St Vincent place south, Emerald-hill, on Saturday, the 26th inst., at two o’clock. THOMAS RENTLE, undertaker, 77 Napier-street, Emerald-hill”.

The Mary Skeats gravestone is located at the Melbourne General Cemetery, CofE, section W-189, but it has unfortunately fallen over sometime in the past century. Some of the text is still readable via digital images from beneath.

STH MELB St Lukes 98a

STH MELB St Lukes 98b

 

Attached documents:

09/03/1857: The Laying of the Foundation Stone of St Luke’s

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May 14 2012

1864-67: St Peter’s Anglican Church, Ballarat, Victoria.

St Peters Anglican Church in Sturt Street Ballarat was designed by C. D. Cuthbert circa 1864.  The chancel was added in 1877 along with the stained glass windows in the chancel by Ferguson & Urie. The tower was added in 1891 and Soldiers memorial chapel in 1917.

Photos were taken 19th September 2010 & 17th March 2011

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Church of England Messenger, 9th August 1877, page 14.

“The stained-glass window for the chancel of St. Peter’s Church has arrived in Ballaarat, and was placed in position. It is a very good specimen of Messrs. Ferguson and Urie’s art, and it is a matter of congratulation that such excellent workmanship can be produced in the colony. The window is divided into three lights, surmounted by tracery pierced with trefoils. These trefoils are filled with richly-coloured glass, bearing upon a starry background the three emblems of faith, hope, and charity; the heart with the sacred monogram, the cross with the crown of thorns, the anchor with the dove and olive branch. The subject of the central light is the “Ecce Homo.” The side lights, having reference to the pious and charitable lives of the ladies in whose memory the chancel was erected. are illustrations of Mark XIV, 8 (“She hath done what she could’) and Matthew XXV. 40 (“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me”). In the central light the Saviour stands forth a solemn and mournful figure. Pilate and a Roman soldier occupying the background. Underneath there is a panel with a small but exceedingly well-drawn picture of Christ’s charge to Peter – “Feed my Sheep.” In the apex of the window is the emblem of the Holy Spirit, the dove, descending with rays of light. The right hand picture of Mary wiping the Saviour’s feet with her hair is remarkable for the beauty of the Saviour’s countenance and the grace of His gesture. In the light upon the left-hand side a female figure is casting a garment around an aged man and a child at her feet. The background of both of these pictures is of a similar character – a low wall decorated with scroll-work, overtopped with trees and flowers, the sky space being filled in with ruby glass in irregular lead-work. Underneath are the old church emblems – the Agnus Dei and the Pelican; and above are the Alpha and Omega. The side window, which can be seen only upon entering the chancel, is the more special memorial window, having the upper part a scroll with the text – “Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord;” and at the bottom, a panel with the memorial inscription. The quarries of which the rest of the window is composed are ornamented with fleurs-de-lys, and the effect of the whole is highly satisfactory. The organ has been inspected on behalf of the church authorities, and is pronounced a first-class instrument. No time will now be lost in erecting it in the church.”

The Chancel window:

This is the main three light chancel window that depicts scenes from: MATT 25-40, JOHN 19-5 and MARK 14-8. The tracery above the three main lights shows three trefoil windows depicting the symbolism of Faith, Hope and Charity. The main lights of the window depict the following:

MATT 25-40: The King James version of Matthew 25-40 reads: “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”  The figure depicted in the window is of a woman covering a beggar man and his daughter with a cloak to shield them from the cold. The most commonly recognised interpretation of Matthew 25-40 would be the old “Golden Rule”; “Do unto others as you would have them do to you” or “One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.” Below the scene is the Pelican feeding its young from blood from its chest, which represents sacrifice.

JOHN 19-5: The King James version of John 19-5 reads: “Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!” The scene depicted in the window is of Jesus wearing the crown of thorns. His hands are bound, he’s wearing the purple robe, and he is flanked by Roman guards. In the hours before Christs crucifixion, he was led through what we would call a ‘kangaroo court’ which has no sense of justice. The Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, had him whipped and had a crown of thorns placed upon his head and clothed him in a purple robe, mocking some sort of regal adoration. Pilate paraded Jesus before the crowd and exclaimed, “Behold, the man!” Below is the scene of Christ as the Good Shepherd with a ribbon of text which reads: “PETER LOVEST THOU ME, YE LORD THOU KNOWEST THAT I LOVE THE, FEED MY SHEEP.” This refers to John 21-17; “He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”

MARK 14-8: The King James version reads: “She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.” The scene in the window depicts Mary Magdalene, the alleged prostitute, drying Christs feet with her hair. Nearby is a small ornate jug which is supposed to have contained an expensive aromatic ointment which was to be used to ‘anoint” him before his death. Below is the image of the Paschal Lamb carrying the St George banner.

The two light window in the nave:

The ‘John Laverick Nunn’ Memorial window is a two light window with the memorial text:

“PLACED BY ELIZA NUNN IN MEMORY OF HER HUSBAND JOHN LAVERICK NUNN DIED 1875 AGED 46. | ALSO HER DAUGHTER HANNAH MARY DIED 1883 AGED 23 AND HER SON JOHN LAVERICK DIED 1884 AGED 22”.

This window was erected in St Peters in January 1886.

The scroll text on the left lancets reads:

“THE LORD GAVE AND THE LORD HATH TAKEN AWAY BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD” (Job 1:21 – “And said, Naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked shall I returne thither: the Lord gaue, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.”) “THEN ALSO WHICH SLEEP IN JESUS WILL GOD BRING WITH HIM”. (1 Thessalonians 4:14 – “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him”.) John Laverick Nunn was born in Whitby, Yorkshire, England, in 1830. He married Eliza Newson in Victoria in 1857 and they settled in the Warrenheip area at Dunnstown, near Ballarat circa 1860 where they became store keepers. John contributed to the Buninyong Presbyterian Church building appeal.  He died on the 22nd of Feb 1875 at Dunnstown. His wife Eliza died on the 17th October 1899 at “Ebor” Hawkesburn, South Yarra.

Short link to this page: http://wp.me/p28nLD-Uv

Some of this article has now been superseded by some new research about the chancel windows and a new article was posted to this web site on 24 Sep 2016 and can be seen at: http://wp.me/p28nLD-2Mv

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May 7 2012

13-08-1872: Wesleyan Church, Golden Square, Sandhurst (Bendigo), Victoria.

The Wesleyan Church (now Uniting), at 19 Panton Street, Golden Square in Bendigo, has a large a large five light Ferguson & Urie window above the main entrance. No specific news articles of the time have been found making any reference to the church windows. The east window is a typical Ferguson & Urie grisaille design and has scroll & ribbon designs in the centre and outer lights with the following text in each. ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKS GIVING, REMEMBER THE SABBATH TO KEEP IT HOLY, GODLINESS IS PROFITABLE UNTO ALL THINGS

Photos were taken 27th August 2010. (using a compact Pentax Optio S10)

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Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers, Melbourne, Tuesday 13th August 1872, page 174.

“NEW WESLEYAN CHURCH, GOLDEN SQUARE, SANDHURST”.

This church, now in course of erection, is from designs by Messrs. Crouch and Wilson of Melbourne. […] A portion of the design was erected about two years since; the remainder now in hand is to be completed early next year”.

The foundation stone of the Uniting (former Wesleyan) church in Golden Square was laid on the 5th of January 1870 and the first section was opened on 11th May 1870. Further additions were made in 1872 and the building completed in early 1873. In the gable of the east main entrance is a cement plaque reading ‘Wesleyan Church AD 1872’.

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May 4 2012

22-07-1866: St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Ballan, Victoria.

St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Ballan, eastern Victoria, was officially opened 22nd of July 1866.

The following year, on the 13th August 1867, the Hobart Mercury reported that James Urie, one of the principal partners in the Victorian Stained glass firm of Ferguson & Urie, had been “sojourning” in Tasmania with a catalogue of the firm’s designs for ecclesiastical and secular stained glass. The Presbyterian Church at Ballan, St Paul’s, was mentioned in the article as one of many Victorian Churches that had recently received stained glass windows by Ferguson & Urie.

[…] This gentleman is now in Launceston, and we were much gratified yesterday by inspecting a large portfolio of designs for church and other windows which his firm has executed or has in hand […]

I visited St Paul’s (now a Uniting Church) in Ballan in December 2010 and found that all the windows were original Ferguson & Urie stained glass, none of which appear to have been repaired or restored since they were erected in the church over 140 years ago.

The principle triple light east window has the typical Ferguson & Urie scroll design. In the ribbon of the centre light is the verse from John 14-6: “I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE”

The text at the bottom of each lancet has the names of each of the donors:
“Ye gift of Mrs John Edols AD 1866” | “Ye gift of Mrs Dugald Macpherson AD 1866” | “Ye gift of Mrs Peter Ingles AD 1866”

Photos were taken 29 Dec 2010.
Some of the dark patches seen in the borders of some windows in the vestry are from a thick carpet of spider webs on the inside and outside of the windows.

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The Donors:

Edols:

Mrs John Edols (Margaret) was the wife of John Edols Esq (1817-1888)., of Dariwell Park, he was appointed as a trustee[1] of the Ballan Race track and recreational reserve in July 1860, along with Dugald MacPherson and others and also acted as a steward[2] at the Ballan racing events. Margaret Edols (nee Brown) died[3] at “Ingliston” on the 17th of September 1872 and was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery on the 19th of September 1872 [4]. John Edols left the Ballan area circa 1888 and died at “Bryan O’Lynn”, near Warrnambool on the 28th December 1888 [5]. He was buried at the Tower Hill Cemetery.

MacPherson:

Mrs Dugald MacPherson was Mary Elizabeth MacPherson (nee O’Cock), wife of Ballan Councillor Dugald Macpherson (1820-1901) of Bungeeltap. She died at Bungeeltap-house” at Ballan in August 1916 and was buried at the Ballan New Cemetery on Wednesday 16th August 1916[6]. Dugald MacPherson died at Bungeeltap, Ballan, on the 20th of October 1901 aged 81 [7] .

Inglis:

Mrs Peter Inglis, wife of Ballarat magistrate, Peter Inglis of Ingliston. Peter Inglis died on the 6th of July 1869, aged 73 [8].

HISTORY OF BALLARAT, page 6

“In the year 1843, Mr. Peter Inglis, who had a station at Ballan, took up the Warrenheip run, and shortly after that purchased the Lal Lal station, and throwing them both together, grazed on the united runs one of the largest herds in the colony. The western boundary of Mr. Inglis’ Warrenheip run marched with the eastern boundary of Mr. Yuille’s run, the line being struck by marked trees running from Mount Buninyong across Brown Hill to Slaty Creek. Mr. Donald Stewart, now of Buninyong, was stock-rider for Mr. Inglis, on the Warrenheip and Lal Lal stations, and superintendent during the minority of the present owner of Lal Lal”.

Related posts:  22-07-1866 > 28-07-1866 > 13-08-1867

External links:

Museum Vic: Dugald Macpherson (1820-1901)

Obituaries: Peter Inglis.

The Argus, Melbourne, Vic, Monday 12th July 1869, page 5.

Obituaries Australia

Apr 29 2012

1864: Christ Church, Anglican, Kilmore, Victoria.

There are two historically significant stained glass windows by Ferguson & Urie at Christ Church, Kilmore, Victoria.

The three light chancel window and the “Clifton” memorial window at the liturgical west end are both by the Ferguson & Urie company circa 1864.

The first stone of Christ Church, Kilmore was laid by Bishop Charles Perry on 19th November 1857 and the first service was held in January 1861. The church was consecrated on Monday 20th May 1867 by Bishop Perry.

Photos were taken on 26th December 2011.

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Kilmore Free Press & Counties of Bourke & Dalhousie Advertiser, Thursday 23rd May 1867, page 2.

“On Monday Morning His Lordship the Bishop of Melbourne, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Watson, the trustees and church wardens, went through the ceremony of consecrating Christ Church, Kilmore. The affair was conducted in a most solemn manner”.

The following two extracts from the Anglican Church Gazette were kindly provided by Catherine Turnbull, Hon Archivist, Kilmore Anglican Parish, 8th Feb 2011.

The Anglican Church Gazette 1864

“…The chancel windows at once attract attention. The principal devices of the side lights are the ruby crosses on a purple ground, with the leaves and fruit of the vine interspersed, the one having the Scripture words, in Anglo-Saxon letters, “I am the Vine,” the other “Ye are the Branches.” In the centre light, over a beautifully finished head of the Saviour, a dove, emblematic of the Holy Spirit, descends, whilst this is surmounted by the ancient sign of the Trinity, the hexalpha or interlacement of two equilateral triangles. The appearance is very rich and splendid, if not gorgeous, and is highly creditable to the artists, Messrs. Ferguson and Urie. The side windows (seven on each side) are diamond-shaped, lead quarry lights, filled in with muffed glass, the borders being of stained glass of various tints …”

The Anglican Church Gazette, June 16, 1864.

“…A very beautiful Memorial Window has been lately erected in Christ Church, Kilmore. In its general construction it is, as intended, emblematical of sorrow, while a rich golden blue, particularly on a sombre day, pervades it. The centre piece is a light blue cross on a crimson ground, entwined by a wreath, on which is inscribed that well known sentence of the Bible, so comfortable to the Christian, “Blessed are the Dead that die in the Lord.” Over and under this are the family crest and coat of arms, elegantly and conspicuously finished.  Underneath is the following inscription annealed in the glass:- “Erected by Wm. Snow Clifton, in memory of his brother, Henry Clifton, who died June 21, 1853, aged 31 years, and was buried in the Kilmore Cemetery. ” The whole is enclosed by a handsome bordering of purple and crimson alternately, with dark leaves between, connected by golden stalks, which form the inner boundary of the border, the outer one being of green. The design and workmanship do great credit to the contractors , Messrs. Ferguson and Urie…”.

Note: There is no known gravestone for Henry Snow Clifton at the Kilmore General Cemetery.

Kilmore Free Press, Vic, Thursday 3rd March 1932, page 2.

(In reference to Christ church, Kilmore)

“…The first place of worship was a building of brick, but as the population was increasing it was deemed imperative that money should be raised to erect a building of much larger and more pretentious character, and the first incumbent the Rev, John Singleton was soon travelling many miles in interviewing squatters and people in outlying parts to collect the necessary money. Soon sufficient funds were in hand to warrant a start with the building which, it was anticipated, would cost some thousands of pounds stirling. The foundation stone was laid by Lord Bishop Perry on the 19th November 1857. The scarcity of funds, however, held up the work from time to time and it was not till 1864 that the church was finished when the Dean of Melbourne, the Rev. Dean Macartney preached the occasional sermon. A writer in the Church gazette of this day states that Christ Church is on an elevated position on the western hill and the style of architecture is English or Lanie of the latter part of the 12th or beginning of the 13th centuries. The architect was a Mr Rudt[1], who gratuitously gave his services. Later the work was carried out by Mr Flury [sic][2], a well known architect of Kilmore. Entering the church the beautiful stained glass windows erected to the memory of loved ones who sleep in that long last sleep command the attention. One is to William Clifton[3] and his brother Henry, the date on which is 1853. It is adorned with the family crest, and bears the motto “Tenez de Droit” [sic] – Hold the Right[4]. This is a very beautiful work of art, and is emblematic of sorrow. The centre piece is a light blue cross on a crimson ground enclosed by a wreath on which is inscribed and appropriate passage of scripture of scripture, and over and under this is the family crest and coat of arms. The designers were Messrs. Fergurson [sic][5] and Urie[6]. “

kilmore-christ-church-1920

The Chancel of Christ Church, Kilmore c.1920

William Snow Clifton and his brother Henry Clifton took up the “Arcadia” run[7] in 1848 which was an estimated 80,000 acres along the Goulburn River.

Foot notes:

[1] No record of an architect by the name of Rudt. Three architects were involved in Christ Church being W. Z. Perrot, Charles Kingk and James Fleury,

[2] James Fleury – Architect Sydney Street Kilmore.

[3] William Snow Clifton was the donor of the window. Commanding Officer of the Victorian Yeomanry Corps Melbourne circa 1856.

[4] “Tenez le Droit” – French – ‘Uphold the Right’. (The motto used by the Victorian Police Force to this day)

Apr 27 2012

31-08-1976: Stained glass windows stolen in city raid.

Number 9 Collins Street Melbourne is the Grosvenor Chambers building built in 1887-1888 by architect Oakden, Addison & Kemp for the Scottish decorative artist Charles Stewart Paterson. At some point in its history it also hosted the prestigious Melbourne Club and was Australia’s first custom designed studio complex, used by prominent Australian artists.

In 1976 a brazen thief stole some original stained glass windows from the Collins Street face of the building. It was claimed that these historic windows were the work of the Colonial Victorian firm of Ferguson & Urie!

The Age, Melbourne, Tuesday 31st August 1976, page 3.

“Stained glass windows stolen in city raid”

“Thieves yesterday hacked out two stained glass windows worth more than $5,000 from a Collins Street building. The building, No.9 Collins St., has been classified by the national Trust. Since it was built in 1887 it has housed such famous Australian artists as Tom Roberts, Sir John Longstaff and Albert tucker. The building is the centre of a controversy between the Trust and the owners, Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society, who want to demolish it. A tenant of the building, photographer Mr. Eric Baylis, said he last saw the window late on Sunday night. “When I got here yesterday morning it was gone. Part of the window had been cut out of the frame, while other parts had been hacked out”, Mr. Baylis said. An authority of stained glass windows, Mr. Allan Sumner, said the windows were made by Ferguson and Urie of Melbourne in the late 1880’s. “It is a classic example of that type of work. Now it has been stolen it is irreplaceable”. He said the windows would be hard to sell. “People who know anything about glass will know that that type of work is hard to come by. What people should look for is that the margins on a couple of frames will be damaged because they have been hacked out by a knife or screwdriver”.

“ABOVE: Photographer Eric Bayliss with one of the gaps left by the stolen windows. BELOW: One of the windows before it disappeared”.

(photos from article shown together below)

The Age, Melbourne, Tuesday 31st August 1976, page 3.

The Age, Melbourne, Vic, Friday 3rd September 1976.

“Old glass windows recovered”.

“Two stained glass windows stolen from a Collins St. building last Sunday were found abandoned behind a Westmeadows church on Wednesday. The windows, made by Ferguson and Urie, of Melbourne, in the 1880’s, were lying in a paddock wrapped in blankets. Thieves removed them from their frames at the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance building last Sunday. CMLA senior property officer. Mr. A. Gray, said yesterday the windows would not be put back. ‘They are being crated for safe storage. We do not propose to put them back for the same thing to happen again”, Mr. Gray said. He said the windows did not appear to be damaged. An authority on stained glass windows, Mr. Allan Sumner, said the windows would be worth about $5,000. The CMLA building, built in 1887, has a National Trust classification”.

As Dr. Bronwyn Hughes has pointed out on her comment to this article in June 2012, it’s extremely likely that Sumner is incorrect in his observation as to who made the window. “The stairwell window for Grosvenor Chambers was designed by John Hughes and made by Brooks, Robinson & Co. The article doesn’t make clear whether it was the stairwell, but it seems unlikely that another firm would be brought in for other windows.”

This is further corroborated by an article published in April 1888 which chronicled the opening of the Grosvenor Buildings and included a significant amount of detail about the stained glass windows by the “Mr. Hughes” from the stained glass firm of Brooks, Robinson & Co.

Resources links:

Wikipedia: Grosvenor Chambers

Walking Melbourne: Grosvenor Chambers

Walking Melbourne blog: Grosvenor Chambers, 9 Collins Street

NLA: The Age, Melbourne, Vic, Friday 3rd September 1976.
(mentioned in Biog of his brother John Ford Paterson)
Article Short Link: http://wp.me/p28nLD-Sq
Apr 25 2012

13-06-1863: Thomas Robson, Ballarat agent for Ferguson & Urie.

The Star, Ballarat, Saturday 13th June 1863, page 1.

“CHEAP PAPERHANGINGS.
SELLING OFF WITHOUT RESERVE.
Robson’s London House, Sturt street.

A GENUINE CLEARING -OUT SALE.-Paper hangings from 4d per piece. Oils, Colors, &c, &c., equally cheap. Must be sold, to make extensive alterations prepatory to new and fresh arrivals.
Agent for Ferguson and Urie’s Stained Glass Cathedral windows.
N.B – It is particularly requested that all outstanding accounts be paid forthwith.”

The Star, Ballarat, Saturday 13th June 1863, page 1.

Apr 24 2012

04-07-1901: The sale of Ayr Cottage, Parkville, Melbourne.

James Ferguson indicated in his will that he wished his surviving children to retain ‘Ayr Cottage’ within the family but this was not to be the case. Only a year after his death it was sold on the 2nd of December 1895 to Edgar, Violet and Margaret Lockington who retained the house for a period of six years. On the 4th of July 1901 the household furniture and effects were auctioned and on the 13th of September 1901, the house was offered for auction and subsequently purchased by the Victorian Children’s Aid Society. The society had a long association with the house for over half a century. In 1966 it finally changed into the hands of International House, the University of Melbourne, who still own it as at 2013.

The photos in the slideshow depict James Ferguson’s ‘Ayr-Cottage’, in Leonard street Parkville, at five dates in its history, being the years 1888, 1901, 1963, 1966 and 2009.

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The Argus, Melbourne, Saturday 29th June 1901, page 2.

“THURSDAY, JULY 4. At Eleven O’Clock Forenoon. On the Premises,
AYR-COTTAGE, Corner Leonard-street and Sydney-road, PARKVILLE
(Brunswick Trams Pass the Property).
Mr PURVES is instructed to SELL by AUCTION, as above,
The whole of the excellent HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and other effects, comprising magnificent upright Grand PIANOFORTE, by Schwechten, in beautiful walnut case; cedar sideboard, telescope dining table, chairs, and sofa, in leather and haircloth; chiffonier, chimney mirrors, plated articles, china, &c,; also the complete furnishings of six bedrooms, including iron bedsteads and bedding, wardrobes, toilet tables, washstands, chamber ware; handsome oak hall table and chairs, four artistic stained glass window screens, oil paintings, engravings, carpets, linoleums, roller mangle, kitchen furniture and utensils, ferns, pot plants, and a large quantity of miscellaneous articles, as per catalogue. On view the day before sale, from twelve to four. Inspection invited. Australian-buildings, 49 Elizabeth-street. Tel 1776”

Note: Nothing further is known about the “stained glass window screens” mentioned.

Additional references:

Register of the National Estate 22 June 1993, place ID 16875, File 2/11/033/0494

Related posts:

1886: The History of ‘Ayr’ Cottage, 1 Leonard St. Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria.

08-10-1887: ‘Ayr Cottage’, 1 Leonard Street, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria.

01-01-1888: The Ferguson Clan at Ayr Cottage, Parkville.

18-04-1894: James Ferguson (1818-1894)

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Apr 22 2012

24-06-1879: St Peter’s Church of England, Hamilton, Tasmania.

The three light chancel window at St Peter’s Church of England at Hamilton in Tasmania was created by the Ferguson & Urie stained glass company of North Melbourne circa 1880 and is a memorial to Ann Jane Wright (c.1835-1879). The original sketches for this window were done by Ferguson & Uries senior glass painter David Relph Drape and are held in the State Library of Victoria’s manuscripts collection. Photos of Drapes sketches and the window are included in the slideshow of images below.

St Peters is one of the oldest existing churches in Australia and even pre-dates the founding of Melbourne in Victoria. The church was designed by Edward Winch, Chief Clerk of the Colonial Architect’s Department, with some modifications by architect John Lee Archer (1791-1852). The cost was stated at £700 minus the tower and the first committee for the construction of the church was appointed with Mr.D.Burn as Secretary. The Government agreed to pay half the cost of the church and construction began in 1834 with J.J.Turnbull as builder. Apparently the walls had to be rebuilt in 1835, just after the laying of the foundation stone by Lieut. Governor Arthur in June, 1834 and the new builder contracted to complete it was W. Sibley. The church was consecrated on May 8th, 1838, by the first and only Bishop of Australia, the Rev Dr. W. G. Broughton, who also consecrated the burial ground. The first confirmation service was held on the same day at 10:30.

Photos were taken 7th October 2010.

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The Reverend George Wright arrived in Van Diemen’s Land on the ‘Fortune’ on the 21st March 1838, and became the third incumbent of St Peter’s circa 1844. He remained there for 30 years until failing eyesight forced him to retire from active work in 1875, but he still took an active role in many ceremonies alongside the new incumbent, the Rev Charles Andrews, from 1875 until mid 1878. The Rev George Wright’s wife, Anne Jane, died on the 24th of July 1879 and a minor reference to the triple light east window was mentioned in the Mercury in 1934, “The east window is a handsome “In memoriam” window erected by the parishioners and friends in memory of the wife of the Rev. Geo. Wright”. The memorial text on the window states:

“IN MEMORIAM | ANN JANE WRIGHT | DIED JULY 24th 1879”.

The three scenes depicted in the windows with accompanying chapter and verse are are:

MARK 10-14: (Suffer Little Children to come unto me).
LUKE 22-6: (Judas betrays Jesus).
MATT 26-7:  (The woman with the Alabaster box of precious ointment).

The Rev George Wright died on the 23rd of August 1893 and he and his wife Anne are buried in St Peter’s graveyard which surrounds the church.

An original sketch of this  windows design, by Ferguson & Urie’s senior stained glass artist, David Relph Drape, was found in the manuscripts collection at the State Library of Victoria. The style and colours are very typical of Ferguson & Urie’s work from the mid 1870’s to 1880’s. The glass painting also exhibits some signs of degradation of the brown medium used in facial features on the glass which at that time was a typical failing seen in other similar examples of Ferguson & Urie work of the same period. A copy of the original sketch and the window are depicted in the slideshow of photos.

The Mercury, Hobart, Monday 14th June 1937, page 9.

“ST. PETER’S, HAMILTON. Established 100 Years”.

“The 100th anniversary occurs this month of the completion of St. Peter’s Church of England, Hamilton, one of the oldest country churches in Tasmania. According to available records, it was reported in August, 1836, that the church would be completed in two months. This must have referred to the stonework, for a later report stated that the church was completed and inspected in June, 1837, a bill for the interior fittings having been dated June 14. In 1831 a movement was inaugurated with a view to the erection of an Anglican Church at Hamilton. The prime movers appear to have been Messrs. W. A. Bethune, of Dunrobin, William Roadnight, of Hamilton, David Burn, of Rotherwood, and Thomas Marzetti, of Cawood. A building committee was appointed, and in 1833 this included Messrs. W. S. Sharland, and Edward Lord jun., of Lawrenny, and other well-known pioneers. The foundation stone of the building was placed in position on June 26, 1834, by the then Lieutenant-Governor of Tasmania (Col. George Arthur), and the church was completed in 1837. The first rector was the Rev. M. J. Mayers, who came out from England with the first Archdeacon, the Venerable William Hutchins, in the Fairlie, which arrived at Hobart on January 6, 1837. Another passenger on the ship was Sir John Franklin, the new Lieutenant-Governor of Tasmania. St Peter’s Church was consecrated on May 8, 1838, by the Rt. Rev. Dr. W. G. Broughton, the first Bishop of Australia.

The Mercury, Hobart, Tasmania, Friday 29th June 1934, page 6.

“[…] The east window is a handsome “In memoriam” window erected by the parishioners and friends in memory of the wife of the Rev. Geo. Wright […]

The Mercury, Hobart, Tasmania, Wednesday 31st March 1875, page 2.

[In reference to Bishop Davies address to the Synod]:

“… I have ordained deacon, Mr. C. Andrew, who had previously worked in that diocese as a lay reader. He has undertaken the temporary charge of Hamilton, in order to relieve the Rev. George Wright, who, after many years of valuable service, has been compelled, I regret to say, through a physical infirmity, to abandon his duties for a season entirely…”

The Mercury, Hobart, Tasmania, Saturday 26th July 1879, page 1.

“WRIGHT- On July 24, at Hamilton, in her 44th year, Anne Jane, wife of Rev. George Wright, for thirty years incumbent of the parish. Friends are informed that the burial will take place on MONDAY NEXT, at 2 o’clock p.m.”

Launceston Examiner, Tasmania, Thursday 24th August 1893.

“DEATH OF THE REV. GEORGE WRIGHT. (BY TELEGRAPH)

WESTBURY, Wednesday, The Rev. George Wright, colonial chaplain, and former incumbent of Hamilton for many years, a very old and highly esteemed and Christian minister of the Anglican Church, passed away peacefully at his lodgings, Westbury, about midnight last night. His remains will be removed to Hamilton for interment, where he laboured so long in the service of his Master.”

External links:

Biography: Archer, John Lee (1791–1852)

The history of St. Peter’s Church, Hamilton, Tas., 1834 to 1934. by William George Brown.