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St Mary's Church on Bramall Lane in Sheffield had its original stained glass windows taken out in 1939 and were put in a mine shaft for safe keeping during the war… The only problem was they couldn’t find them again! However some 70 years after they were lost the church has now replaced them with new ones.

Copper sculptures

The rather bland, plain glass remained in place until December 2008 when a specially commissioned window was finally added, giving a much needed splash of colour and light to St. Marys Church.

Early in 2007, Helen Whittaker of stained glass specialists Barley Studios in York was approached to come up with a design. 

“As an artist it has really challenged me. It’s made me think about light ultimately. If you see the window you can see the light fall in lots of places. It goes beyond the actual art work, the light does speak. It’s the practical and spiritual in one and it’s a good way to be.”

Archbishop of York and Helen Whittaker

Helen has also designed copper sculptures to stand alongside the newly installed windows which represent the Universal Pilgrim.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu came to Sheffield in March 2009 and dedicated the new stained glass window at St Marys Church.

Canon Julian Sullivan loves the result of the commission;

“The window is all about ‘The Journey.' It is based on Psalm 84 from the Old Testament and is about a pilgrimage. It’s about the pilgrims going up to the temple to worship God and as they go, they sing and rejoice in their faith. The window captures the image of that psalm.  The image should speak to people today who are going through the turbulence of this world whose lives are undergoing the change which we all face. It leads us to ask ourselves questions, Where is the story that holds you together?"

The secret of the window

When is the best time to see the window in its full glory? Canon Julian explains;

“The sun comes out at 7.30am. You’ll see the first sunrise on the glass and the light streams through and it is a thing of beauty. It is a jewel. It projects the colours of the windows on to the wall. The different elements in the window are picked out.”

Money for the project came from a number of sources including the Arts Council, The Sheffield Church Burgesses Trust and Viridor Tax Credits. Neighbours Sheffield United also chipped in and there was a local appeal.

Reaction to the design has been very positive. Jack Nicholls, former Bishop of Sheffield said, “I love it. It has something to say for everyone on the pilgrim journey through life. Abdhul Gooljar, President of the Islamic Society of Great Britain in Yorkshire declared, “I am excited by this window which is a symbol of our efforts to build peace and justice between faiths."

However, the windows which were removed in 1939 have not been forgotten. Canon Julian Sullivan is still hoping they can be found and would love to hear from anyone who knows of their whereabouts. If you have any information please email via the address below;