Great West Window

C has come to stay for a couple of nights and today we visited Sherborne and the Abbey.  We took the guided tour after lunch, our guide was excellent telling us about the long turbulent history of the building.  It was founded in 705 AD, so a lot of history!

The West window was installed in 1997 replacing the other which was Victorian and in great disrepair.  John Hayward was the creator and designer (1929-2007) and this was probably his last work as he had already retired to Dorset but learning that it was a request by Sherborne Abbey his ears pricked up and he agreed to do it.  There was a lot of debate and protest from some quarters as  to the modern design but in the end the Church decided it should go ahead.  It really is beautiful and brings the West end of the Abbey alive.  The colours in the photograph don't do it justice.

Extra:  detail: the Virgin Mary and Infant Jesus.