We all know Vivienne for her beautiful sketches and paintings. But do you know the story of the woman behind the glass?
A couple of weeks ago as I was wandering around St. Mark’s, I noticed the doors of the church were wide open. I was welcomed in by Reverend Gavin Tyte. I was on a bit of a mission and asked if he knew where the window was that Vivienne Gardner had created and he took me right over to it. He also sent me a wonderful photo (attached).
Vivienne has a beautiful book published – ‘The Stained Glass Art of Vivienne Gardner’ (available at the Bermuda Arts Centre) and in it, I was able to find the rest of the story about this beautiful window.
“The window in St. Mark’s Lady Chapel in memory of Canon Frank Ross, who had been my spiritual advisor many years ago, so it was with special appreciation that I was allowed to make this window depicting his favourite figure, St. Francis.I put as many local birds and animals I could think of in the window. There are 23, one of which happens to be our most beloved dog, Soho, and another is our cat, Bill. I feel sure the good Canon would have enjoyed their company. Members of the congregation are planting every flower shown in the window in the gardens surrounding the church.” – Vivienne Gardner
A local 75-cent postage stamp was issued, showing St. Francis.
St. Francis and the Animals, 198854″x36″ . St. Mark’s ChurchSmith’s Parish, Bermuda
