A Suffolk church has been adorned with two new historic stained glass windows.
Two new designs are up at the north aisle of All Saints Church in Wetheringsett, near Stowmarket, completed by stained glass and sculpture artist Helen Whittaker.
Ms Whittaker's previous work includes a scheme for St Peter and St Paul Church in Stowmarket, and recently she worked with David Hockney to create the Queen's window at Westminster Abbey.
The design is inspired by Richard Hakluyt (1552-1616), English geographer and sometime rector of All Saints Church.
The circular design is from Abraham Ortelius’ Theatrum Orbis Terrarum of 1570, believed to be the first modern atlas, and a work which Hakluyt probably knew.
The design represents the world, with the left window representing land, in particular the countryside around Wetheringsett, and the right window depicting the sea, reflecting Hakluyt's advocacy of migration to North America.
The window was funded after a sum of money was bequeathed in the will of Tim Alston for the creation of a new stained glass window by Helen Whittaker.
Mr Alston had a twin sister Gill who continued to manage the commission after his death, but unfortunately passed away before the window was completed.
The Alstons are a well-known farming family in the village and their brother still resides in Wetheringsett.
Helen Whittaker said: "The windows are intended as a hope-filled meditation on voyaging and discovery, illustrating the richness of the created world and inspiring a sense of wonder.
"The design consciously frames the parish war memorial and radiates from it, reminding us that most of the young men named on it probably took their first and only long voyage by sea and land in defence of home and of all they believed and held dear."
Revd Julia Lall, rector at All Saints Church, said: “The new stained glass windows are a marvellous addition to our church.
“We have been flooded with messages from our congregation about their beauty – they are the first thing you see as you enter the church and they have made it feel so bright and inviting.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous legacy left to us that made this all possible.”
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