Left: Whole window. Right: Closer view of the figure of Jesus, sawing. [Click on the images to enlarge them.]

The Holy Family in William Butterfield's St Mary Magdalene, Enfield, a north aisle window dedicated to young soldier who fell on the western front: "In everlasting memory of our beloved son Ronald who was killed in action at Bullecourt aged 19. Requiescat in Pace." It shows Joseph with a round-headed mallet and chisel, behind the young Jesus, who is sawing some wood like a typical carpenter's son, while Mary sits by the loom with a bobbin. It is a picture of perfect domestic harmony to which each individual contributes. Underneath is the well-known text from the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the pure in heart." According to the church website, Ronald Percy Jeaffreson was a lance corporal in the Honourable Artillery Company.

Photographs by John Salmon, and text by Jacqueline Banerjee. You may use these images without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite it in a print one.

Sources

Eberhard, Robert. "Stained Glass Windows at St Mary Magdalene." Church Stained Glass Windows. Web. 7 July 2015.

"The Nave Stained-Glass." St Mary Magdalene. Web. 7 July 2015.


Created 7 July 2015