EXPERIMENTAL PANEL

Brief description: Abstract stained glass panel, mainly rectangular pieces, one of a number of experimental panels. Designed by John Piper and made by Patrick Reyntiens, circa 1956.

This experimental abstract panel was made around the same time as John Piper's (1903-1992) major commission for the Baptistery window at Coventry Cathedral. It is an impressive colourful abstract stained glass panel, which was made to Piper ‘s design by stained glass artist-craftsman Patrick Reyntiens (1925-2021), circa 1956. On the morning of November 15th, 1940, after eleven hours of fierce bombing, Coventry Cathedral was a smoking ruin. John Piper recorded the horrific scene for the War Artists Advisory Committee (WAAC) and fifteen years later he was commissioned to design the baptistery window for the new cathedral, recently completed in a strikingly modern style. The architect, Basil Spence had decided to make stained glass an important feature of the building after a visit to the medieval cathedral of Chartres. Piper was one of many artists commissioned to design stained glass for this important building. Inspired by an exhibition of American Abstract Expressionist painting at the Tate Gallery, Piper decided to design the window as 'a great burst of light and grace,' symbolising the Holy Spirit in a completely non-representational way. This experimental panel was made at the same time as Piper's major commission at Coventry. Piper gave the panel to his friend (Margaret) Justin Blanco White (1911-2001), an architect who redesigned Piper's studio in the 1960s.

Object type: stained glass panel

Number of objects: 1

Production date: circa 1956

Production period: 20th century, mid

Designer: John Piper (1903 - 1992)

Manufacturer: Reyntiens, Patrick (1925=2021)

Dimensions: Height: 1095 mm, Width: 1525 mm

Acquisition: loan 26.12.2003

Acquisition source: McDuff, D.

This item is not currently on display and can only be viewed by prior arrangement

Accession number: ELYGM:L2003.8