Words + Images

… this floral detail caught my eyes.

Borders define and divide space. Depending on context, borders also complement and accentuate that which they surround. And that is the case with the four 19th century stained glass windows at Trinity Church designed by Burlison and Grylls, of London, England.

The four windows, located along two walls, purchased by four different families in honor of loved ones, depict in rich dark colors six stories from the bible and other illustrations representing faith, patience, fortitude, charity and hope. While the stories vary quite a bit, from Stephen being stoned as the first Christian martyr to Dorcas wrapping her cloak around someone less fortunate, each is framed by the same bold floral pattern.

In vibrant yellow gold, black and white, the borders create a sense of unity among the four windows, illuminating the stories across what could have been a very dark length of space. And they provide design inspiration.

When designing merchandise based on stained glass windows, I tend to deconstruct and then reconstruct. As I sorted through photographs of these windows, I eventually found myself staring at just one flower. And then as I played in GIMP with that one flower it began to grow, and grow, and return to its original self …

and this visual building would continue until something new emerged … a bold new pattern, derived from a wonderful sunlit border, that celebrates the original beauty, and reveals its own bright story in cloth, glass and ceramic.

Merchandise bearing this pattern, including silk chiffon scarf and coaster, will soon be available at the gift shop in Trinity Church located in Copley Square. Meanwhile, see the church windows and their glorious border for yourself. Tour information available here: https://trinitychurchboston.org/visit/tours

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