Faculty Granted for Memorial Screens - HPA

Faculty Granted for Memorial Screens

Blackburn Diocese have approved the Faculty for the installation of 2 modern memorial screens in remembrance of May and June, twin sisters and active members of the congregation at Morecambe Parish Church, Holy Trinity, Poulton Le Sands with St Laurence, Morecambe.

The Church received a legacy to create a memorial for the two sisters, whilst also improving the Church for future users. Zoe Hooton, Director at HPA Chartered Architects, states ‘The Church has a long tradition of commissioning locally designed stained glass, depicting life in Morecambe. It is wonderful to continue this tradition celebrating the life of May and June. The church has windows made by renowned stained-glass artists Shrigley and Hunt, as well as Abbot and Co, and Loyne Stredid. This addition of screens will be both practical and artistic and its design process has been a positive experience for all involved, changing the narrative against the backdrop of Covid-19.’

It was decided that two large glass screens would be installed in the North and South Arches. The screen within the South Archway will help block draughts from the main door whilst the screen in the North Archway will help ensure symmetry. Sarah Galloway from Sarah Galloway Glass Art was appointed to produce designs for the glass screens, following her experience at St John’s, Silverdale.

The North Arch Choir entrance screen is a memorial to June, a former member of the choir, and represents a celebration of music using 2 hymns selected by the choir: ‘All creatures of our God and King’ and ‘Angel voices ever singing’. Verse 3 was selected for the phrase ‘ Yea, we know Thy love rejoices, o’er each work of Thine; Thou didst ears and hands and voices, for Thy praise combine;’.

The South Arch screen is a memorial to May, who led the flower team at the church, and is based around floral imagery. Flowers were selected to feature in the design, as well as birds and trees.

The designs will be sandblasted on to the glass in two tones, a deeper etch shown in white and a lighter etch shown in light grey. This two-toned design will add depth and interest to the screens.

Overall, the proposed screens are a stunning memorial to May and June, whose hobbies and interests are thoughtfully represented in the designs. The screens are artworks in their own merit, yet also complement the existing features of the Church. The installation of the screens is due to be completed on the Grade II listed Church within the next few weeks alongside the installation of a new smart screen improving Church services.  HPA have worked closely with the Diocese and Victorian Society on obtaining the relevant permissions and assisting the manufacturers; Anglezarke   and artist Sarah Galloway on the technical information required.

We hope to share further information on the upcoming installation.

Latest News

Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date