East Window - South Kilworth Leicestershire

This stained-glass window (1880-1890) from St Nicholas’ Church, South Kilworth, Leicestershire, is the east window designed and made by Burlison & Grylls, one of the leading English stained-glass firms of the late 19th century.

The window consists of three tall lancet lights surmounted by quatrefoil and trefoil tracery lights, all filled with imagery drawn from the Passion and Nativity of Christ. At the center is the Crucifixion of Christ. Christ is shown on the Cross, flanked by two mourning angels who hover on either side. In the predella panel, below is a Nativity scene. 
The background is a rich deep blue and ruby, creating a dramatic spiritual focus for the altar area.

The left hand light depicts the Virgin Mary standing in sorrow and contemplation, her head bowed and hands clasped. The combination of blue and white garments reflects Mary’s purity and humility. Below her, in the predella panel, is an Annunciation (the Incarnation) balancing the Crucifixion above. The right hand panel shows St John the Evangelist, holding a book and perhaps a quill, the traditional symbols of his Gospel and testimony. The predella below is the Resurrection, continuing the cycle of salvation history.

Burlison & Grylls, were part of the Gothic Revival, and were known for their rich colors, balanced composition, and delicate faces. The figures here are rendered with dignified restraint, strong outlines, and deep jewel tones of blue, red, and gold typical of their mature work. The use of angels, Marian imagery, and scripture scrolls reflects the Oxford Movement’s theological focus on Incarnation, Sacrifice, and Redemption.