Artist visits her stained–glass window 53 years later
In 1964, a 19 year old student at Belfast College of Art, Patricia (Paddy) Robinson was commissioned to design a stained glass window for Mrs Foster Kennedy, of Kilbroney House, Rostrevor.
But before the beautiful and lively ‘The Tree of Life’ was installed in the north transept of Kilbroney Parish Church (St Bronach’s) in 1965, Paddy had emigrated to Australia.
She returned to see her work in 1969 and this week, Paddy (above) came back to see the window for just the second time.
Mrs Isobel Foster Kennedy was a major benefactress of the church and Paddy explained that her instructions were to make the window light and fun and specifically to feature children picking apples.
The four panels depict children climbing up through trees, amongst fruit, birds and animals high above a meandering river below.
The four evangelists carried by purple wings are shown in the tracery above: Matthew (the lion), Mark (the bull), Luke (in human form) and John (the eagle).
The inverted teardrop shaped pinnacle window shows St Elizabeth of Hungary and the miracle of bread and roses.
The window was placed in memory of Colonel Donald and Grace Kennelly, who lived in St Bruno’s House, Rostrevor and was made by Caldermac Studios.
Originally from Bessbrook, Paddy says she has always loved stained glass. “I’ve known about glass all my life. My aunt was a glass artist and we were both taught by Edward Marr in Belfast.”
She later trained in engraving with Anne Dybka in Sydney and has gone on to become a stained glass artist of renown in Australia and beyond.
Paddy’s successful career helped Kilbroney parishioners Shelagh Roberts and Pauline Coffey track her down and when they discovered she was coming to Ireland they invited her back to St Bronach’s.
The church itself is undergoing urgent, major repairs and Shelagh and Pauline have been instrumental in the fundraising. They have also been busy recording the stories behind the windows, plaques and monuments in the building.
“There was no record of what was in the church so we’ve been doing research for a book, The History of Kilbroney Parish Church and we’ve some good stories to tell!”
The parish, with the help and support of the whole Rostrevor community has raised £120,000 over the last 3 years.
They hope that the work will be completed in July when ‘The Tree of Life’ and all the other gems in the building will once again be on full view to worshippers and visitors.
Find out more about Paddy Robinson’s work with Finglinna Studios.
See some photos in our gallery here.
L–R: Pauline Coffey, Paddy Robinson and Shelagh Roberts