Polmont Old
Parish Church - Scotland
Parish Church - Scotland
Stained Glass Windows
Polmont Old Parish Church
Stained glass windows
As you will be aware, the two beautiful stained glass windows in our church have been restored and were re-dedicated on Sunday 24th May in the presence of a large congregation which included 4 senior members of the Salvesen family, whose ancestor had gifted one of the windows in 1876.
It was discovered last year that the windows were in a very poor condition and strenuous efforts were made by the Congregational Board to gather funds for their restoration. Events were held to raise funds and donations, both anonymous and named, were received, including several from members of the Salvesen family. In addition, the general Trustees of the Church of Scotland agreed to provide a grant of £3,000 towards the total cost of £10,750.
Work started on the project in the middle of January, when the two windows were removed panel by panel and taken to the workshops for restoration. The windows are each made up of 4 panels, and it was a painstaking task to chip away the stonework round the very edge of each of the panels in turn, so that each could be eased out of its position intact. The men were hampered at one stage by the use of 20th century silicone (used when secondary glazing was put in on the outside of the windows to protect them.) But perseverance and their expert knowledge of such problems won the day. It was amazing that the panels were able to be carried down from their position, through the scaffolding to the van outside, and still be so intact after more than 130 years. The glass in both windows was extremely dirty from years of use of candles and paraffin lamps.
Traditional techniques and materials were used to repair and restore the windows and all the original glass was retained. Clear secondary glazing had to be installed first and supported by cross bars which had to match exactly with the bars which would hold the stained glass panels in position, so that they were in line with each other. It was a precise task to prepare the stonework round the very edge of each of the spaces, so that each panel could be eased into its position again. Lots of precise measurements had to be taken before the panels were installed. Once again, the panels were carried up to their positions through the scaffolding – quite a tricky operation in itself.
Everyone must be amazed at how bright and new looking the windows are – the reds, blues and greens are so much richer than they were before. And you might see colours you have not seen before!
Description of the scenes on the windows
SCOTT WINDOW (on the left as you look to the pulpit)
The Annunciation of our Saviour:
The appearance of the angel to the shepherds at night. In the top panel, the Star of Bethlehem is shining down, while the bottom panel shows thistles The inscription reads: 'The gift of Walter Scott, son of the late Alexander Scott, Gilston, in affectionate remembrance of his youthful days at the Parish School of Polmont – June 1876'
SALVESEN WINDOW
Paul preaching at Athens:
A Greek temple and a Roman soldier can be seen in the background. In the top panel, the Dove represents the Holy Spirit descending from Heaven, while lilies of the field, symbolising purity, can be seen in the bottom panel.
The inscription reads: 'In memory of Johan Theodor Salvesen, born at Mandal, Norway, August 8th, 1820, died at Polmont House, December 23rd, 1865; and of Frederikke Marie, born at Grangemouth, May 20th, 1855, died at Fransensbad, Bohemia, September 4th, 1873. June 1876.'
A souvenir booklet - PDF Click Here was printed especially for the rededication service containing information about the men and families behind the two windows. The initial research was carried out by Keith Salvesen, and further research on Walter Scott is being done by Sandra Reid. Sandra has also been keeping a photographic record of the whole project and she will be donating an album of the best photos to the congregational archive.
Polmont Old Parish Church
As you will be aware, the two beautiful stained glass windows in our church have been restored and were re-dedicated on Sunday 24th May in the presence of a large congregation which included 4 senior members of the Salvesen family, whose ancestor had gifted one of the windows in 1876.
It was discovered last year that the windows were in a very poor condition and strenuous efforts were made by the Congregational Board to gather funds for their restoration. Events were held to raise funds and donations, both anonymous and named, were received, including several from members of the Salvesen family. In addition, the general Trustees of the Church of Scotland agreed to provide a grant of £3,000 towards the total cost of £10,750.
Work started on the project in the middle of January, when the two windows were removed panel by panel and taken to the workshops for restoration. The windows are each made up of 4 panels, and it was a painstaking task to chip away the stonework round the very edge of each of the panels in turn, so that each could be eased out of its position intact. The men were hampered at one stage by the use of 20th century silicone (used when secondary glazing was put in on the outside of the windows to protect them.) But perseverance and their expert knowledge of such problems won the day. It was amazing that the panels were able to be carried down from their position, through the scaffolding to the van outside, and still be so intact after more than 130 years. The glass in both windows was extremely dirty from years of use of candles and paraffin lamps.
Traditional techniques and materials were used to repair and restore the windows and all the original glass was retained. Clear secondary glazing had to be installed first and supported by cross bars which had to match exactly with the bars which would hold the stained glass panels in position, so that they were in line with each other. It was a precise task to prepare the stonework round the very edge of each of the spaces, so that each panel could be eased into its position again. Lots of precise measurements had to be taken before the panels were installed. Once again, the panels were carried up to their positions through the scaffolding – quite a tricky operation in itself.
Everyone must be amazed at how bright and new looking the windows are – the reds, blues and greens are so much richer than they were before. And you might see colours you have not seen before!SCOTT WINDOW (on the left as you look to the pulpit)
The Annunciation of our Saviour:
The appearance of the angel to the shepherds at night. In the top panel, the Star of Bethlehem is shining down, while the bottom panel shows thistles The inscription reads: 'The gift of Walter Scott, son of the late Alexander Scott, Gilston, in affectionate remembrance of his youthful days at the Parish School of Polmont – June 1876'
SALVESEN WINDOW
Paul preaching at Athens:
A Greek temple and a Roman soldier can be seen in the background. In the top panel, the Dove represents the Holy Spirit descending from Heaven, while lilies of the field, symbolising purity, can be seen in the bottom panel.
The inscription reads: 'In memory of Johan Theodor Salvesen, born at Mandal, Norway, August 8th, 1820, died at Polmont House, December 23rd, 1865; and of Frederikke Marie, born at Grangemouth, May 20th, 1855, died at Fransensbad, Bohemia, September 4th, 1873. June 1876.'
A souvenir booklet - PDF Click Here was printed especially for the rededication service containing information about the men and families behind the two windows. The initial research was carried out by Keith Salvesen, and further research on Walter Scott is being done by Sandra Reid. Sandra has also been keeping a photographic record of the whole project and she will be donating an album of the best photos to the congregational archive.
