The Annunciation Window

by B van Cleve

The ‘Annunciation’ window is situated on the east side of the church. It is a Kempe window. The actual ‘Annunciation’ was completed in 1876, the other parts of this window four years later in 1880.

It consists of two horizontal and three vertical sections. The horizontal sections are separated by a band of six angels with musical instruments, and on the top there are two more angels just underneath the two crossed keys.

At the top of this window two angels watch over the whole scene. They are situated just underneath a pair of crossed keys. Keys are often associated with Peter, since he has been given the keys of heaven.

Beneath we see three NT figures: The first on the left represents Peter, who holds his keys tightly. The second represents John with certain utensils for writing. The third represents Paul with his sword. He throws a snake into a fire.

Below the three NT figures are three banners, which read:

Prophets and Kings      have desired to see      the things which ye see

In the next section we see three lights, the left one shows an angel whose wings feature peacock eyes as adornment, which is typical for Kempe stained glass windows. The middle section shows a dove with something like a halo and rays directed towards Mary, who is depicted in the right light. Underneath we see a floating banner with the words (abbreviated text is written out):

Ave Maria gratia plena Dominus tecum       Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with you

Underneath the banner are two open books, one on something like a reading pulpit, one leaning against the base of a vase with flowers. We read:

Exultavit cor meum in Domino           My heart rejoices in the Lord
Eructavit cor meum                             My heart overflows

In the right light we see Mary, holding an open book in her hands. She is depicted with a banner floating around her head, which reads:

Ecce ancilla domini                             Behold the maid of the Lord
fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum      let it be done to me according to your word

The Kempe logo is well hidden on this window, it can be found in the lower right corner just above the dedicational text, it is a single wheat sheaf.

The dedicational text can be found all along the lower part of this stained glass window. It reads:

To the glory of God and the honoured memory of Anne Sophia wife of John Hannah, Vicar of Brighton she died February 25th 1876 in the 59th year of her age.

All images © B. van Cleve

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Floor plan of stained glass windows in St. Peter’s church Brighton