St. Mary Redcliffe Church announces winner of stained glass window competition

St. Mary Redcliffe Church has announced the winner of its stained glass window competition today (Thursday 22 September). 

Members of the public were invited to submit designs to replace the four panels removed in 2020. The purpose of the competition was to:

• Help us remember and reconcile with our past. 

• Enable everyone to encounter the gospel. 

• Promote a sense of hope in our shared future. 

The window tells the story of the Good Samaritan. St Mary Redcliffe asked for creative and imaginative designs, which reflected the question that prompted Jesus to tell the story – ‘Who is my neighbour?’ The designs also needed to work well within the whole window and complement the architecture of the church. 

The competition is part of an ongoing process of reflection and action to ensure that today’s church building echoes St Mary Redcliffe’s stated values and is welcoming to all.

Behind the winning design is Bristol-based junior doctor and artist, Ealish Swift. Ealish was unable to be at the unveiling of her design as she was performing surgery, but was delighted to find out she was the winner, commenting:  "I am deeply honoured that my design has been chosen for this wonderful space that means so much to me. I can't wait to work with the amazing Steve Clare to bring my ideas to life. I'm thrilled that my design seemed to resonate so much with the local community and I hope everyone will come to visit to see the final piece and experience everything this wonderful church, and community, has to offer!"

St. Mary Redcliffe were delighted to receive 21 entries submitted by people from across the UK, from a wide range of backgrounds, and of different ages and professions. The entries were thought-provoking, imaginative and well-designed, and they would like to thank everyone who entered.

The competition judges shortlisted five designs that best responded to the brief. These were displayed in an exhibition in the church, where members of the public were invited to comment on which one should win and why. There was substantial public interest and hundreds of comments, all of which were taken in to consideration by the judges when making their final decision.

What next? 

The winning design is currently on display in a small temporary exhibition at St Mary Redcliffe until 9 October and will be recreated in stained glass next year. Subject to legal permissions, the design will replace the clear glass panels currently installed in the window. In due course, the original panels will be put on public display, but in the meantime, will soon be available to view by appointment.

Although prompted by the toppling of the Colston statue, the replacement of the Colston window is part of a larger process at St. Mary Redcliffe in the ongoing exploration of and engagement with contested heritage which will continue over the coming months and years.

Canon Dan Tyndall said, “The successful design will help us to remember our past, enable everyone to experience the gospel and leave us all feeling a sense of hope in our shared future."

"The winning design is powerful and imaginative, managing to resonate with contemporary issues and yet will also stand the test of time. Ealish's concept was very popular with visitors to the church and will sit well within the current Victorian window".

With nearly 300 comments from the public, the judges were struck by the overwhelming positivity in the proactive approach to this piece of contested heritage. Comments from visitors included: 

"Amazing initiative; great exhibition; so struck by the democracy of the competition." 

"Thank you to the church for taking accountability and reconciling with the past in such beautiful community-led way." 

"I would like to congratulate you for holding the competition and gripping the Colston issue (before it gripped you)." 

"I am not a Christian, and for a long time I've had a biased view that religion is something old fashioned and controlling. My visiting to your church today and the replacement panels has really changed my mind. I see your church as a modern and progressive place that recognises Bristol and its multicultural heritage." 

Details for Visitors

There is no charge to visit the exhibition or the Church. The temporary exhibition in church will be on display from 22 September until 9 October. It will be available whenever the church is open. Visit www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk for the latest updates and https://www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk/stained-glass-competition for more information on Ealish Swift and the judging panel.