Newcastle stained glass window named finalist for England’s favourite

A stained glass window in the heart of Newcastle city centre has been shortlisted for a national competition to find the country’s favourite Church of England cathedral window.

The Chemist’s Window, housed in Newcastle Cathedral, is part of a campaign by the Association of English Cathedrals, inspired by the book Divine Light: The Stained Glass of England’s Cathedrals by Janet Gough OBE. The final 12 windows were chosen from the Association’s most-liked social media posts, with public voting open until Monday 2 February, the Feast of Candlemas.

Dating from 1866, the window commemorates Joseph Garnet, a chemist and former member of the Cathedral congregation when it was known as St Nicholas’ Church. Garnet ran a shop nearby and was known for his quiet generosity. Only after his death in 1861 did the full extent of his charity become known, and his friends raised funds for a window in his memory.

The window depicts Garnet performing acts of compassion for the poor, reflecting a life of faith, humility and service.

The Dean of Newcastle, the Very Reverend Lee Batson, says: “Unlike some grander windows in the competition, the Chemist’s Window tells the story of an ordinary person walking and working alongside those in need – the poor, hungry and imprisoned. It is comparatively modest in appearance but carries a powerful message about faith lived quietly through kindness and generosity.”

Created in the studio of Newcastle artist William Wailes, one of Victorian England’s largest and most prolific stained-glass workshops, the window was damaged during enemy action in 1941 and placed in storage. In 1980, the Pharmaceutical Society sponsored its reinstatement, with the historic glass reset against clear leaded glazing.

Janet Gough OBE says: “The stained glass of England’s cathedrals forms a single national collection of remarkable range and artistry. Viewed as art or inspiration, the radiance of these windows continues to inform, illuminate and delight. The public’s 12 favourites reflect 900 years of cathedral glass, from masterpieces to lesser-known gems.”

Newcastle’s window is distinctive for celebrating everyday goodness, showing that cathedral windows commemorate not only saints and kings but also lives quietly lived in service to others.

“Today, Newcastle Cathedral continues this tradition,” Lee adds. “Through our Cathedral Lantern Project, we help visitors experiencing homelessness access specialist support. Café 16, in the Cathedral Refectory, is run by the Oswin Project, supporting prison leavers as they rebuild their lives. We’ve also hosted services and initiatives for people facing addiction, bereavement, and mental health
challenges.”