CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Brief description: Panel from central window of five stepped lancets by Arthur and William Henry O'Connor, 1873. One of three versions of Christ the Good Shepherd in same light. Christ, in mandorla with night sky, bends to rescue sheep trapped in thicket. Acorns and grisaille surround.
One of three versions of Christ the Good Shepherd from the same lancet light, part of a five-light window at the church at H.M. Borstal, Feltham. The scene depicting Christ as the Good Shepherd surrounded by sheep is set within a quatrefoil. Christ, haloed, in red robes, bends down to rescue trapped sheep from thicket. A deep blue night sky with twinkling stars fills the quatrefoil behind him. Acorns can be seen in the surrounding glass, symbolising both the fruition of labour and strength. The side lights are known to have contained the Evangelist symbols. A 'borstal' was a type of juvenile prison for boys under 23, aimed at rehabilitation: these windows were probably meant to set a good example. Borstals were abolished in Britain in 1982. Michael O'Connor, 1801-67, and his sons Arthur (1826-73), and William Henry had a successful stained glass firm in London. They were among the stained glass firms to exhibit at the Great Exhibition.
Object type: stained glass panel
Number of objects: 1
Production date: 1873
Production period: 19th century, late
Manufacturer: O'Connor & Sons
Dimensions: Height: 1540 mm, Width: 890 mm
Original location: Church H.M.Borstal Feltham Middlesex England south transept
Acquisition: gift 1978
Acquisition source: Home Office (via architects Brewer, Smith and Brewer)
This item is not currently on display and can only be viewed by prior arrangement
Accession number: ELYGM:1978.2.11
