Stained glass is perhaps Canada's most widespread public art: radiant creations illuminate public buildings in virtually every city and town of this vast country.Canadian studios began at least as early as 1856, founded by European-trained artists in Québec and Ontario. Windows were often commissioned from England, France, Germany and the United States, along with a few other European countries. Collectors have acquired windows dating as far back as 1533.
Today, artists and crafts people in every province continue the ancient tradition in styles ranging from the medieval and Victorian, to 20th century modernism, naive and folk art, and the avant-garde.
The Institute has undertaken a multi-year photographic survey of Canada's curiously overlooked treasures in glass. Our inaugural 2008 project, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, reveals Stained Glass in Saskatchewan.
In 2010 and 2011 we added sections on British Columbia and Manitoba. Only seven provinces to go! cana
da glass art
We found only a few "real" demons in stained glass, including this scaly green monster made in 1170 for Troyes Cathedral in France. These days demons are usually symbolized by snakes and dragons. Angels are still Angels.
All photos © 2012 Patrick Burns and ISGC unless otherwise indicated.
Theologia, Queen of All Learning (detail)
Henry Holiday of Morris & Co. London, 1893 Bryce Hall, University of Winnipeg
First Published Survey of Canada's Stained Glass
86 buildings in 30 locations with Google Maps
62 buildings in 17 locations
53 buildings in 7 locations
Interactive 3-D Interior Panoramas:
Notre Dame de Bon Secours Chapel, Montréal (1771)
Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupré, near Québec City (1926) (1926)
3D photos courtesy Jean-Pierre Lavoie © 2012
