Many of the wonderful examples of stained glass in Bedford Park houses celebrate the creative expression of the Aesthetic movement. Rebelling against Victorian materiality and modern industrialism, Aesthetic artists placed a premium on quality craftsmanship. Original glass from the time of Bedford Park’s creation illustrates Aesthetic themes of exploring colour, form, and composition in the pursuit of beauty. Moving away from the elaborate décor and detail of Victorian style, there is often use of more subdued colours, geometric designs, and simplified linear forms.
Initially introduced for the practical purpose of increasing light in stairwells, the stained glass also allowed owners to demonstrate their artistic taste as well as their wealth! Over the years, residents replacing original glass that could not be preserved have been inspired to commission stunning modern versions while others have sourced replacements from the period, reflecting the influence of people such as John Ruskin and William Morris on the suburb’s founder Jonathan Carr. The examples illustrated represent just a flavour of the rich variety the suburb offers and we would be delighted to include more. Please contact us if your house features interesting stained glass.
Click on each image to enlarge it.
All images © Ellen Rooney.
