PURIM

Brief description: Non- figurative stained glass light celebrating the Jewish festival of Purim, showing a basket of fruit and various other items of food, drink and flowers. Made in 1954 by David Hillman.

A non-figurative stained glass light celebrating the Jewish festival of Purim. The central panel shows various items of food, including fruit in a basket, a cake decorated with walnuts, a vase of oiled sweets, and basket of figs, arranged on a tablecloth. Flowers and bottles of drink can also be seen. In the background there is a pair of blue curtains indicating the domestic scene. The border uses a mixture of colours including, green, red and blue, with scrolls bearing Hebrew text appearing both in the border and at the top and the bottom of the panel. The window was made for the old Bayswater Synagogue. This Ashkenazi-Orthodox synagogue was located in Chichester Place, Paddington. It was built in 1863 and was one of the original five synagogues that formed the United Synagogue in 1870. The synagogue was closed in 1963 to make way for the Harrow Road flyover and much of the glass was relocated. The artist was David Hillman (1894-1974), son of Glasgow Rabbi S.I. Hillman. In the scroll of Esther surrounding the panel, it says 'that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor' As such, during Purim, along with listening to the story of Esther, Jews enjoy a festive meal, many of the foods typically consumed are shown in this window, as well as completing charitable acts and giving donations.

Object type: stained glass light

Number of objects: 1

Production date: 1954

Production period: 20th century, mid

Designer: David Hillman (1894 - 1974)

Manufacturer: Hillman, David 1894=1974

Dimensions: Height: 1630 mm, Width: 850 mm

Inscription: The inscription, which reads 'Reserved for David and Rita Kingsley', refers to the fact that this particular family had their own seats inside the Synagogue, near to where the window was placed. base of panel Reserved for David and Rita Kingsley

Dedication: donated by Kingsley, David and Rita

Original location: Bayswater Synagogue Bayswater London England ground floor Bayswater Synagogue

Acquisition: gift 1.2007

Acquisition source: London Stained Glass Repository

Bibliographical references: Mathews, Susan : Ecclesiastical Heritage Magazine

This item is only partly on display

Accession number: ELYGM:2007.1