Memorial Window

William Burges (1827-81)

Stained glass

Designed 1862-63; consecrated 1870

St. Fin Barre's Cathedral

Cork, Republic of Ireland

Amid the "single iconographic scheme" of the stained glass windows (Williams 6), which progresses from the Old Testament at the west end to the New Testament in the ambulatory, is one erected by Alfred Burges to the memory of his eldest son, "Architect of this cathedral." Designed by Burges himself, it shows the King of Heaven presiding over the four apostles, who hold open the Word of God. As elsewhere in the cathedral, Matthew is shown in human form, while Mark is shown as a lion, Luke as an ox and John as an eagle. Below them flame the seven candles of Revelations 1:20, representing the seven churches of Asia Minor. Under the inscription is a simple shield and a small, worn-looking plaque with a mosaic surround, bearing Burges's entwined initials and name.

Other views and Related Material

  • Looking towards the chancel end
  • West front
  • Carving on west door tympanum
  • Detail of tympanum
  • The Foolish Virgins
  • Resurrection Angel
  • Ironwork on the doors
  • Windows of the south transept
  • Altar, pulpit and lectern
  • Pulpit
  • Interior
  • Cain and Abel (detail)
  • Cane and Abell window
  • Plaque bearing William Burges's name
  • "The Eclecticism of William Burges"

    Photograph and text 2009 by Jacqueline Banerjee.

    [You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL.]