The Parable of the Sower
Photo © Martin Crampin
about 1911
Two-light window with standing figures working in the field, with detailed landscapes in the background. Angels below with texts. The figure in the upper tracery light holds an organ, and could be an angel, but the figure is nimbed and does not appear to be winged, and therefore probably represents Cecilia.
firm/studio: Robert J. Newbery
Church of St Elvan, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taff
south wall of the south aisle
Texts below scenes: 'The Sower soweth the Word' (Mark 4:14); 'Such as hear the Word and receive it' (Mark 4:20). Text held by angels below: 'So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom' (Psalm 90:12).
Inscription: 'To the Glory of God and in memory of John Williams who departed this life on July 23rd 1906. Headmaster for 45 years of the National Schools and Organist for 43 years of this Church of St Elvan, Aberdare.'
Although the window is not dated, it seems likely that it was added around the time that the aisle was built in 1911. The style of the window, canopy work and text identify the window as the work of Robert Newbery, who made other windows for the church at this date, but the detailing of the scenes, complete with birds, flowers and distant landscapes set it apart from the more conventional work of the studio.
Two-light window with standing figures working in the field, with detailed landscapes in the background. Angels below with texts. The figure in the upper tracery light holds an organ, and could be an angel, but the figure is nimbed and does not appear to be winged, and therefore probably represents Cecilia.
firm/studio: Robert J. Newbery
Church of St Elvan, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taff
south wall of the south aisle
Texts below scenes: 'The Sower soweth the Word' (Mark 4:14); 'Such as hear the Word and receive it' (Mark 4:20). Text held by angels below: 'So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom' (Psalm 90:12).
Inscription: 'To the Glory of God and in memory of John Williams who departed this life on July 23rd 1906. Headmaster for 45 years of the National Schools and Organist for 43 years of this Church of St Elvan, Aberdare.'
Although the window is not dated, it seems likely that it was added around the time that the aisle was built in 1911. The style of the window, canopy work and text identify the window as the work of Robert Newbery, who made other windows for the church at this date, but the detailing of the scenes, complete with birds, flowers and distant landscapes set it apart from the more conventional work of the studio.
Record added by Martin Crampin. Last updated on 12-02-2015
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- harvest
- landscapes
- sowing - agriculture
- the sower - parable of Christ [Matthew 13:3-9; Mark 4:3-9; Luke 8:5-8]
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Martin Crampin (ed.), Stained Glass in Wales Catalogue, University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, Aberystwyth, 2015.
https://stainedglass.delweddau.cymru/object/4579 (accessed 27 December 2024)
https://stainedglass.delweddau.cymru/object/4579 (accessed 27 December 2024)
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