Lot Essay
The original design of the Worcester College Chapel was by James Wyatt during 1776-1790. In 1860, The Fellows of the College decided to consider ways of re-modelling the existing chapel interior while maintaining the existing external structure. In 1864, William Burges was commissioned to alter the ecclesiastical drawing room into a chapel, op.cit.."to medievalise a Neo-Classical interior, and to Christainise a pagan system of decoration."
The improvements to the chapel required the re-design of six stained glass windows and together with the College, Burges choose to approach Sir John Everett Millais, though the project soon proved unsuccessful. Op.cit. "Mr Millais is almost our first artist.... but this (window) has been done in a hurry, and I think some apology is due for it."
As a result of this failure, Burges employed, Henry Holiday, who by the end of 1864 had completed a cartoon for 'The Annunciation'. Holiday then went on to complete the remaining stained glass windows and was furthermore, responsible for the majority of the mural decorations including the altarpiece.
The improvements to the chapel required the re-design of six stained glass windows and together with the College, Burges choose to approach Sir John Everett Millais, though the project soon proved unsuccessful. Op.cit. "Mr Millais is almost our first artist.... but this (window) has been done in a hurry, and I think some apology is due for it."
As a result of this failure, Burges employed, Henry Holiday, who by the end of 1864 had completed a cartoon for 'The Annunciation'. Holiday then went on to complete the remaining stained glass windows and was furthermore, responsible for the majority of the mural decorations including the altarpiece.