THE rich history, striking colours and makers behind Goulburn’s stained glass windows have always fascinated Daphne Penalver.
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The local history buff, most noted for her research on architect EC Manfred, will celebrate Goulburn’s wealthy heritage in September.
She is organising a tour and talk by internationally recognised stained glass expert, Dr Beverley Sherry on Saturday, September 13.
The day will also include an address by Goulburn woman, Judith Nelson, a descendant of the Radecki family, whose company manufactured all the windows in Our Lady of Dolours Chapel at north Goulburn.
It’s the second time Mrs Penalver has coordinated the day. In 2002 she also published a guide, detailing some of the city’s gems. The event was such a success that the Sisters of St Joseph subsequently sought grant funding for a publication and audio guide about the Dolours Chapel.
Mrs Penalver will update the publication for the September event. The day will focus on the chapel, St Saviour’s and Sts Peter and Paul’s cathedral.
“Goulburn has the most amazing collection of stained glass windows and it’s something that should be celebrated,” she said.
“Since the last tour I’ve become more aware of the Dolours Chapel. It is fairly unique because all the windows were done by a Sydney based company, Radecki, which undertook very big commissions in Sydney. They were very highly regarded.”
Sts Peter and Paul’s Cathedral has its own unique story. In the early 1870s, Bishop of Goulburn William Lanigan threw his heart and soul into the new cathedral. He commissioned local importer and manufacturer Mortom Mowbray to design and install stained glass windows.
By this time Mowbray had set up a kiln in Goulburn and regularly advertised his wide array of services, according to Mrs Penalver’s research.
He was born in England in 1820, came to NSW in about 1858 after leaving his wife and daughter in America, and by 1868 was living or working in Clifford St.
In 1870 he was advertising as a plumber and lead sash maker, providing designs for stained glass windows, but also supplying baths, lamps, pumps and ‘pan closets.’
The Freeman’s Journal in October, 1872 stated that Mowbray had won the contract for eight nave windows in Sts Peter and Paul’s, the large west window above the entrance and the clerestory windows, for which he designed a chalice overflowing with grapes. The latter were removed later.
Mrs Penalver said it wasn’t clear where Mowbray learnt his skills but his handiwork was a lasting legacy.
The Cathedral shows off Goulburn, Belgian and English stained windows.
“There’s a lot of difference in colours,” Mrs Penalver said.
“Some are very bright but the Belgian glass has more lime green and yellow/orange colours and it is not the same quality as the English glass.”
Similarly, rich symbolism and social history is depicted in the windows. Many are dedicated to deceased members of Goulburn families.
Dr Sherry, an Honorary Associate at Sydney University, will touch on some of this in her talk. In writing her book, ‘Australia’s Historic Stained Glass History,’ she travelled the country with photographer Douglass Baglin, searching out stained glass in every state, in rural and urban areas and in all kinds of buildings. Her illustrated talk will show some of her prize examples.
“She considers Goulburn to have a very significant heritage, notably St Saviour’s Cathedral which houses a virtual anthology of stained glass,” Mrs Penalver said.
Tickets to the event cost $50, which covers talks, inspections, morning tea, lunch and two guide books.
There is a maximum 60 participants so early booking is recommended. Tickets are available at the Goulburn Visitors Centre in Sloane St, by visiting www.igoulburn.com or phoning (free) 1800 353 646.
