Imaging the Bible in Wales — Search for images

Windows, Banners and Teacups

In surveying the imaging of the Bible in Wales, we are interested in all kinds of images depicting biblical scenes or characters which were made, displayed or used in Wales between 1825 and 1975. From paintings and banners to illustrated bibles and teacups — we are keen to receive information and photographs for our project database.

Much of our research has focussed on places of worship in Wales. There are many hundreds of stained glass windows in Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, where there are also murals, paintings, carvings, statues and banners from the period. Such work is also found, although less commonly, in non-conformist chapels. In this research we are conscious of a degree of urgency, as places of worship are being closed and put to other uses while the contents are sometimes sold or destroyed.

We are also hoping to draw together a sample of material now in museums, galleries and libraries, whether original drawings or paintings, illustrated books, prints or crafts. Similarly, such material is to be found in homes and private collections across Wales.

Adam and Eve, from a sampler, 1864 (Photograph: Iestyn Hughes)

We are keen to receive information and photographs of such material, or photographs of images that no longer survive, to help us build up a database of images of the Bible in Wales, which we are planning to publish online. Any relevant information or photographs that we are able to use will be included with acknowledgement.

Because of their relative paucity, we are particularly interested to hear about biblical images from non-conformist chapels. Nevertheless, because the project has only a three-year timescale, we will only be able to visit a selection of the Anglican and Roman Catholic places of worship, so information about any material from churches, particularly paintings and banners, will be most welcome. Similarly we are interested in biblical material from Jewish contexts in Wales, so information about visual material from Welsh synagogues or other Jewish centres would be welcome.

For more about the kind of work that we are interested in, please see the articles under 'Work in Progress' above.

Ceramic Tile depicting Joseph before Pharoah.

Joseph Before Pharaoh, ceramic tile from the back of a chair, Church of St Martin, Roath, date uncertain (Photograph: Martin Crampin). The Church was badly damaged in the blitz and important artwork such as the reredos from the Lady Chapel (below) was destroyed (Photograph: by permission of the Vicar and Churchwardens of St Martin, Roath).

Photograph of the Lady Chapel reredos, showing the Annunciation to Mary.

If you are aware of a fine painting or stained glass window in your church or chapel, have an interesting sampler or old print on your wall with a biblical scene, or know of artists in Wales who depicted biblical subjects, please get in touch with us, and where possible send or email photographs with whatever information you have.

Imaging the Bible in Wales
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
University of Wales, Lampeter
SA48 7ED

Painted angel. Angel from a painted reredos, from the church, now in private ownership, at Whitebrook, Monmouthshire (Photograph: Martin Crampin)

Stained glass window by John Petts. Window by John Petts, illustrating Job 14:7, from Brondeifi Unitarian Church, Lampeter, 1972 (Photograph: Martin Crampin)