New Stained Glass Window at Christ Church Cathedral

New stained glass at Christ Church Cathedral.

For the first time in more than a century, a new stained glass window has been constructed and installed in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.

New Stained Glass Window – First Time in more than a Century

The statement window was designed by stained glass artist John Reyntiens MBE and produced in London by the Reyntiens Glass Studio.

John Reyntiens is the foremost stained-glass artist of his generation.

His many past projects include the restoration of the glass in Big Ben’s clock dials and the creation of windows celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond and Platinum Jubilees.

This project was made possible by a generous donation from the barrister Marilyn Kennedy-McGregor. Marilyn has dedicated the window to her late husband, Dr Edward Burn (1922–2019) – a D-Day veteran, barrister, and Official Student and Tutor in Law at Christ Church from 1955 until his retirement in 1990.

Teddy Burn was a towering figure in the history of Christ Church in the 20th century and the doyen of academic property lawyers.

He held the Censorship from 1959 to 1964 and was Tutor for Admissions from 1972 to 1978.

Among his many other achievements was the establishment of the Law Library (now named the Burn Law Library) in which a bronze bust of his head is displayed.

The new window features St Francis – patron saint of the environment and animals – who is displayed amid a rich and uplifting natural scene that both evokes Christ Church’s gardens and reminds us of our obligations to our planet.

The Dean of Christ Church, the Very Revd Professor Sarah Foot, said:

‘I think what is most exciting about this is having an opportunity for this generation to stamp its mark on the building in a way that will last through time. 

“This window reminds us of our responsibilities to care for creation – creation that God made and gave to us to enjoy, but also charged us to look after.’