Whall, Christopher

walwyn Sat, 12/24/2011 - 19:26
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Salvator Mundi, Arts Crafts stained glass

 

Christopher Whall (1849-1924), studied art at the Royal Academy Schools where he became influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites. After leaving the Royal Academy in 1879 he specialized in stained glass, working for John Powell & sons as a designer, but started his own company when he wanted to learn the whole craft of stained glass making. His most important work is in the Lady Chapel of Gloucester Cathedral, and the transepts of Canterbury Cathedral. The work at Gloucester was done at little above cost but resulted in many subsequent commissions from America and South Africa.

 

He first came to notice with his work that was exhibited at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society in 1888. His work was an extension of that done by Morris & Co., with whom he collaborated on a number of occasions.

 

He was an acknowledged master in the Art of Stained Glass, teaching at the Central College of Art and the Royal College of Art. His book Stained Glass Work is one of the best works on the subject. Whall turned down a knighthood as being incompatible with his lifestyle as a practising craftsman.