Canada's Heritage in Glass

Stained glass is perhaps Canada's most widespread public art radiant creations illuminate public buildings in virtually every city and town of this vast country ***.

Canadian studios began at least as early as 1856,   founded by European-trained artists in Quebec and Ontario.   Windows were often commissioned from  England,  France and the United States, along with a few other European countries. Collectors have acquired windows dating as far back as 1533.  

Today, artists and crafts people in every province continue the ancient tradition in styles ranging from the medieval and Victorian, to 20th century modernism, naive and folk art, and the avant-garde.

The Institute has undertaken a multi-year photographic survey of Canada's sometimes overlooked treasures in glass.  Our inaugural project,  sponsored by the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, reveals  Stained Glass in Saskatchewan.

 

Angels and Demons  slide show:   a small green stained glass demonWe found only a few "real" demons  in stained glass,  including this scaly green monster made in 1170 for Troyes Cathedral in  France.  These days demons are usually symbolized by snakes and dragons.  Angels are still Angels.

 

 

 

All photos ©  2010 Patrick Burns and ISGC unless otherwise indicated.

     

                            Pioneering Communications Technology.   c. 1972      Westmacott, Winnipeg                                                           Emmanuel St Chad College,   University of Saskatchewan 

Link to Intro slideshow for Stained Glass in CanadaLink to Intro slideshow for Stained Glass in Canada            Link to Intro slideshow for Stained Glass in Canada

***100 Glimpses of Canada

A Photo Survey

Saskatchewan Feature

81 buildings in 30 locations

Themes Ancient and Modern

Automated Slide Shows