Description:

George W. Spence Co.
(Boston, MA, est. 1895)
"The Welcoming Christ" Window

circa 1928
stained and leaded glass
signed "Geo. W. Spence Co., Boston, Mass."
102 x 60 inches

The window represents "The Welcoming Christ." The figure, richly clad in deep crimson, purple and wine colored robes, bordered in con­trasting bronze and greens, stands against a landscape background, so rich in color as to suggest a late after-glow, which strikingly enhances and emphasizes the spirituality of the face and the luminous effect of the head and halo. The whole subject is framed in a highly decorated bor­der comprising over 1,800 pieces of jewel-like glass blending the softly dark tints of purple, blue, wine and crimson with bronze and green to form a fitting and appropriate setting.

    Provenance:
  • In 1928, the George W. Spence Co. was commissioned to design an interior chancel window for the (then) Faneuil Congregational Church (now Boston's United Pentecostal Church) located in the Brighton section of Boston. The window was installed in 1930.
  • Literature:
  • 1895 tax records from the Boston Public Library indicate that George W. Spence Co. was located on Canal Street in Boston. It was one of Boston's most well known stained glass studios at that time. The Boston Public Library Fine Arts Department records indicate that George Spence started his career with Spence & Bell Studios, eventually buying out that studio and establishing his own, George W. Spence Co. The records also indicate that he was "the best known representative for stained glass in the New England area" and that he was originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
  • Notes:
  • Included with the window is its unveiling and dedication booklet from the Faneuil Congregational Church, dated November 2, 1930, 3:00 o'clock.
  • Condition:
  • Very good overall condition. The window with less than 10 hairline cracks dispersed throughout.

    The absence of a condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the lot. Please inquire for a detailed condition report.

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January 27, 2024 11:00 AM EST
Pittsfield, MA, US

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