Ayrshire Post

Unique windows are in the frame

Mellow yellow

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A shocked minister has discovered stained glass windows in his church were a groundbrea­king invention.

A pair of stunning multi- coloured etchings in Prestwick South Church made news headlines in 1905 for a scientific breakthrou­gh.

Reverend Kenneth Elliott received a visit from a University of York expert who claimed they were of historial art significan­ce.

The researcher pointed out how the windows used a brand new technique, which stopped paint loss.

The glass known as ‘ a two light window’ by artist Oscar Paterson was featured in the Glasgow Evening Times.

Reverend Elliott said: “I am delighted this has been brought to light. I had no idea the church was covered in the newspaper. There may be lots of other churches with unknown history to be unravelled.

“People go to church all the time and never appreciate what is around them. I think stain glass windows in any church are a great asset.

“They tell their own story and depict scenes of the Bible.”

The method used in the Prestwick South window involved hydroflour­ic acid and etching instead of painting. The result was described as a “fine two light window,” in the Evening Times.

The article added how the process involved “zeal and patience” and generated “excellent results.”

The image depicts two women and were dedicated by the Reverend Ernest Scott to the memory of Sarah Gilfillan.

She was the wife of marble and tile merchant William Gilfillan who loved in Burgh Road, Prestwick. Spring was in the Ayr at St Columba Church.

The crowds turned out for a daffodil tea complete with entertainm­ent at the Ayr church on Tuesday this week.

All money raised will go to the Guild, and Tesco Ayr donated all the yellow blooms.

 ??  ?? Let there be light The groundbrea­king windows at the church
Let there be light The groundbrea­king windows at the church
 ??  ?? Proud Rev Kenneth Elliott in front of the windows at Prestwick South Parish Church
Proud Rev Kenneth Elliott in front of the windows at Prestwick South Parish Church
 ??  ?? Blooming bouquet Guild member Jean Stewart
Blooming bouquet Guild member Jean Stewart

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