The Rose Window

Revisited and Reimagined

Rose windows have been adorning cathedrals for centuries.  The art of stained glass peaked during the Middle Ages in Europe.  These colourful windows were used to educate and preach in churches and cathedrals by illustrating passages from the Bible.  The Rose window found its origin in the Roman oculus (as seen in the Patheon, for example).  Through the centuries, it was transformed, and coloured glass was used to materialize the light, often overpoweringly, to emphasis the dominion of the Church.  Rose window designs have fascinated glass artists from the medieval period to today and have followed architectural trends through history.

The four artists, Teresa Seaton, John Highley, Siobhan Lynch and Joe Speck have revisited and reimagined the Rose Window in contemporary terms and various glass approaches including stained glass, fused glass and mosaic glass.   They have created a vibrant and intriguing display celebrating light, colour and form.