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 Baltic Exchange Stained Glass - National Maritime Museum - Greenwich, UK Posted by:  BruceS
N 51° 28.876 W 000° 00.336
30U E 707913 N 5707598
Stained glass windows from the old Baltic Exchange in London which was bombed in 1992. The windows have been restored and now on permanent display at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.
Waymark Code: WMA1AQ
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/30/2010
Views: 10
"Shortly after the First World War, the artist John Dudley Forsyth (1874-1926) as commissioned to design a series of stained-glass windows for the Baltic Exchange. These windows formed part of a memorial to the 60 members of the Exchange who lost their lives during the war.
Forsyth's stained glass was unveiled in 1922. It consisted of a half-dome with five large windows below, which were installed over a staircase to the lower floor. The subject is heroic and lkens the British Empire to the Roman Empire. The dome and windows were made of many pieces of carefully selected coloured glass, which was painted and stained by skilled glass painters to represent the human figures, architectural and floral detail of Forsyth's original design. After firing, the glass pieces were assembled into windows, where they were held together by a network of lead strips.
Forsyth was trained by the prolific stained-glass artist, Henry Holiday (1839-1927), one of the leaders in the Victorian revival of this medieval craft. Forsyth's work is much admired for its skillful composition and bold use of colour, which is clearly seen in the glass from the Baltic Exchange.
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The Half-Dome
The Impressive half-dome, over three metres in height, is a fusion of classical and religious symbolism, which celebrates the heroism and triumph of war. In the dome is the winged figure of Victory, who steps from a boat from the central archway of a Roman temple. Roman centurions and female figures welcome Victory and the dove of peace can be seen flying above her head. Displayed within the architecture are the shields and badges of the colonies and dependencies of the British Empire, with the Royal Coat of Arms at the centre. The names of major battles of the First World War are listed on the tow outer panels.
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The Virtue Windows
The subjects of these windows are the Virtues of Hope, Fortitude, Truth and Faith. The Romans established a long list of virtues as qualities to which all human beings should aspire. The early Christian Church adopted some of these as principal codes of conduct, which could eventually be attained through the Christian faith. The virtues are common themes in Medieval and Renaissance art, where they are traditionally depicted as women.
Truth
Truth presents honesty and dealing with others. Truth was an import virtue to Roman citizens. Interestingly, the symbolism of the snake and mirror, which appear on this window, are more traditionally associated with the virtue of Prudence. The snake traditionally symbolizes caution, while the mirror reflects a true image to the observer.
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Justice
This was the central window in the war memorial at the Baltic Exchange. Justice holds a sword in her right hand, which signifies the right of the law to exact punishment for offences. In her left hand are scales which symbolize the impartiality with which justice is administered.
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Fortitude
The virtue of Fortitude represents strength and courage in times of trouble. Here, a cherub presents Fortitude with a sword or mace, a symbol of strength and protection. she is guided through troubled times by the light of the torch that she holds aloft.
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Hope
This window shows the virtue of Hope, which represents aspirations of happiness. Hope may also refer to the desire for victory and lasting peace. Hope is shown resting her right hand on an anchor, symbolic of the stability that she brings during times of difficulty.
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Text from signs near the stained glass display.
Type of building where window is located: Museum
Address:
Romney Road
Greenwich, London United Kingdom
SE10 8XJ
Admission Charge: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Days of Operation: Everyday
Hours of Operation: From: 10:00 AM To: 5:00 PM
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Visit Instructions:
Please include additional photos of the window or windows at this location. Provide additional information regarding the window/s if you are able.
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