THE MAY QUEEN
Brief description: Stained glass panel depicting a young girl dressed as the May Queen. Probably painted by Thomas Cowell
A small rectangular stained glass panel depicting a young girl dressed as the May Queen crowned with daisies and carrying an orb. A shepherd boy holds her dress as she walks down some wooden stairs. In the background a sheep and two lambs can be seen in a field behind a fence. Other notable features of the backgrund include a blossoming tree and foliage. The May Queen traditionally walks in front of the May Day parade, wearing a white dress and a tiara. She is crowned with flowers and starts the May Day (1 May) celebrations with a speech. In the top left corner of the panel, a shield with a bull represents Taurus, the sign of the Zodiac during which May Day takes place. Designed by George Parlby (1856-1944), one of the principal glass painters at London studio of Powell & Sons, this panel has been delicately painted by Thomas Cowell (1870-1944) in glass paint and silver stain.
Object type: stained glass panel
Number of objects: 1
Production date: circa 1900
Production period: 20th century, early
Designer: George Measures Parlby (1856 - 1944)
Manufacturer: Cowell, Thomas 1870-1949
Dimensions: Height: 240 mm, Width: 180 mm
Original location: Cotterill Road Surbiton Surrey England Thomas Cowell's studio
Acquisition: bequest 5.5.1993
Acquisition source: Estate of Thomas Cowell
Accession number: ELYGM:1992.4.8
