The forgotten story of Brechin Cathedral’s historic stained-glass windows has been brought to life.
Church elder Archie Milne’s new booklet includes details of all the 39 windows and the role played by Henry Holiday, who was a close acquaintance of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.
The 72-page booklet also gives details of the window in Stracathro Church.
He said: “Towards the end of the 19th century the congregation of Brechin Cathedral were unhappy with the results of the restoration which had been done some 50 years earlier.
“This resulted in them deciding that further restoration was needed and the Glasgow firm of Honeymoon and Keppie were contracted to redesign and build the church in keeping with ‘modern’ times.
“A fund of £10,000 was needed for this restoration and towards the completion in 1902 it was felt that the chancel should have some stained-glass windows.
“Henry Holiday, a Londoner, was commissioned to design and install three windows, these portraying Jesus as Prophet, Priest and King.
“When these windows were completed, Henry Holiday convinced the Session of the Cathedral that he must be given the opportunity to complete the other 10 windows in the chancel and as such he designed them depicting the life of Jesus.
“As a point of interest, Henry Holiday supported the suffragette movement and was a close acquaintance of Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter, and had organised local suffragette meetings in the Lake District.”
The windows are shown in full colour and detail the subject matter giving references to both the artist and year of installation.
Included is a section giving information about the artists, the majority being Scottish including William Wilson, Douglas Strachan and David Gauld.
Copies will be available from the office priced at £5.
