Fig. 1. Detail of the quarry design with unknown iconography.
Brianne Kozlowski, a graduate from the University of York MA (2013) now consulting in the US, and Drew Anderson of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are appealing for information regarding the design of the 19th c. window from Trinity Church, Wall Street in Manhattan. The windows were fabricated by Abner Stephenson. Little is known about Abner or his training. Abner left England and arrived in New York in 1836 with his Irish bride. The ship manifest lists his profession as ‘Herald Painter.’
The quarries in the 16 aisle windows (c. 1845) at Trinity Church all reflect the same screen-printed design. The iconography of the design is unknown. Can anyone identify the iconography within the quarries? Is anyone aware of any Victorian or Medieval precedents for this design or other examples appearing in the UK or elsewhere?
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Fig. 2. Typical aisle window, Trinity Church, Wall Street, Manhattan.
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The technique, design, and use of materials within the windows at Trinity Church are the work of a well-trained glazier. We are hoping to locate Abner Stephenson in history and find where he was trained. If Vidimus readers are able to offer any information about the above quarry design or Abner Stephenson’s training, please contact Brianne Kozlowski directly at brianne@libertysgc.com. Thank you!