Jane Gray (b.1931)

Stained Glass Window Design

This design for a two part stained glass window has an almost transcendental quality, the central spiralling structure hypnotically drawing the viewer’s gaze inwards. The design perfectly marries Gray’s spiritual and more abstract, secular works across her career.

Jane Gray (b.1931)

Gilmour Coat of Arms, Stained Glass Window Design

38.5 x 32.5 cm

The Gilmours are part of clan Morrison of the Isle of Lewis, and the first documented bearer of this surname was Richard Gilemore, who was recorded in the Feet of Fines of Huntindonshire in 1228 AD. The family mottoes include, as Gray uses here, Perseveranti dabitur, meaning ‘It will be given to the persevering’.

Jane Gray (b.1931)

'Work and Wait' Stained Glass Window Design

37.5 x 20.5 cm

This highly graphic, modern stained glass design depicts a communist-style fist clasping a laurel wreath above a rope and scroll reading the motto: ‘Work and Wait’. Most likely a private commission, this design perfectly marries Gray’s traditional and modern approaches to her work.

Jane Gray (b.1931)

Baptism Stained Glass Window Designs

6 x 13.5 cm

This design for a pair of stained glass windows depicts two baptisms: the baptism of Christ by John on the banks of the Jordan river and, in turn, Christ baptising a child, although, this time, the baptism involves a font. Both images, however, share an identically placed dove, above their respective baptism scenes.

Jane Gray (b.1931)

Sir Godfrey Kneller Stained Glass Window Design, St Mary’s Church, Twickenham (1961)

42 x 48.5 cm

This stained glass window design is one of a handful Gray designed for her local church, St Mary’s Twickenham. St Mary’s Church stands on the site of an earlier church in Twickenham, a short distance from York House and the banks of the River Thames, and incorporates a 15th-century, medieval tower. St Mary's has an impressive and illustrious history of notable parishioners including the painter Godfrey Kneller who, after the collapse of the ancient church's 14th-century nave in 1714, took active involvement in redesigning the church in the Neo-classical style alongside local architect John James, as well as Henry Fielding and Alfred Lord Tennyson whose sons were both baptised here. Gray had a personal connection to St Mary’s, her great grandfather having been the vicar some years before. This design, in particular, commemorates Godfrey Kneller and his active involvement in the church and its redesign in the eighteenth century.