About this piece
back to topA pair of highly detailed religious stained glass window depicting angels holding palm fronds designed by early 20th century stained glass manufacturers, Atkinson Brothers of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and manufactured by Hartley Wood & Co. Glass Works.
These superb antique stained glass panels once resided in the vestibule/porch window of the former Thornhill Methodist Church, Sunderland (renamed the Burn Park Methodist Church, Sunderland). The church was built in 1902-1903 by TR Millburn and JE Miller, who later went on to build Sunderland’s Empire Theatre which opened in 1907.
In recent years, the church was sold, deconsecrated and the stained glass windows carefully removed. These are two such windows from the removal, one of several we have acquired.
Symbolising martyrdom, each trapezoidal shaped window details an angel dressed in swathes of gold and white below an ogee pediment, each with one hand outstretched and the other arm carrying a palm leaf.
With their vibrant colours and unique provenance, these antique stained glass windows will make a striking statement in any property, telling their story for years to come.
Atkinson Brothers Stained Glass
Brothers William, Frederick and Albert Atkinson established Atkinson Bros on New Bridge Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in 1876. Designers of stunning stained glass windows, the brothers soon became one of the most well-known stained glass makers in the North East of England.
Examples of their work can still be found in Newcastle Cathedral, Hexham Abbey and other ecclesiastical buildings of the region to this very day. Works have even been exported as far as Australia.
Some of the firm’s most notable commissions came during the 1920s when memorial windows were made following the First World War.
Following the death of two the founding brothers, Albert Atkinson sold the business to Reed Millican in early 1930s.
