Our Heritage Collection of Windows
The Great West Window
“Transfiguration of Christ”
by
mervyn Napier Waller
The Great West Window was erected to the Glory of God and in thankful remembrance of those who served in WWII.
It was dedicated by Canon PW Robinson on 25 May, 1952.
Designed by Napier Waller in consultation with Canon Robinson, the innovative colouring of the glass and the production of the window showed Waller’s genius.
The resulting wonderful and very beautiful effect of such a bold colour scheme is best viewed in the late afternoon when the light from the setting sun streams through.
One of the reasons that St Mark’s has a heritage listing is because of our superb collection of stained-glass and cathedral glass windows.
Our significant collection of stained-glass windows by celebrated artist Napier Waller, is possibly the largest that exists outside those displayed in the Australian War Memorial. Napier Waller’s work can be seen in the Great West Window, the Northern Ambulatory and the Lower Sanctuary Windows.
Several beautiful stained-glass windows by his very talented wife, Christian Waller, show her fluid style and use of exquisite colour combinations. They can be viewed in the North & South Ambulatories, as well as the two Upper Sanctuary Windows.
Works by Sir Ninian Comper can be viewed in the Warriors Chapel of St George and the South Ambulatory.
Examples of stained-glass windows by D Taylor Kellock and John L E Orval can be viewed in the former Baptistry.
Examples of stained-glass windows by Joseph Stansfield can be viewed in the South Ambulatory.
In addition, there is a striking collection of cathedral-glass windows by Joseph Stansfield situated in the Clerestory, their brilliant shards of blue and gold glass filling the church with rays of light on sunlit afternoons.
Click here to read Chapter 8 of “St Mark’s Camberwell - The First Seventy-five Years” by Margaret A Hookey, which provides further details about the windows in our church.
Photo by Antoine Nsair is used with kind permission.