Reverb: The Chagall Windows
The Reverb Series highlights sensational churches
and historical buildings we'd like to sing in.
The reverb may not last long in the All Saints Church of Tudeley, England, but we're sure it doesn't matter because the room must be masked in blue and red light. Warm colored jewel tones must shine through the eleven Chagall designed glass windows placed around the church.
If you're unfamiliar with the Tudeley Chagall windows, the story behind the creation of the east window (above) is a bit tragic. The window was designed as a memorial tribute to Sarah d'Avigdor-Goldsmid, a young woman who died in a sailing accident.
Sarah's family lived nearby and commissioned a memorial piece in her honor, fashioned after her affection for contemporary art. The piece was to be commissioned from Marc Chagall, however Chagall wasn't accepting many commissions at the time.
When Chagall offered to visit the Tudeley church, he stepped inside, exclaimed it was magnificent, and immediately accepted the offer to design all 11 windows.
" It's magnificent. I will do them all"
"C'est magnifique! Je les ferai tous!"
A then 70-year old Chagall used the large glass canvas as a medium to strike magical mood in the same way he does in La Mariée.
The east window shows the scene of Sarah's death. Her body lies in the dark water while her friend, who was also in the accident, watches over. Sarah is also at a staircase to heaven, while her mother and sisters mourn near the water.
Deep and dark and a little twisted.
Chagall's confusing and beautiful collection of stained glass work spans over several churches and American art exhibits.
Check out an inside view of the All Saint's Church below and read more about all of Chagall's stained windows in the suggested reading (left).
