The Stained Glass Windows of Two Temple Place

You may remember that I’ve previously mentioned the unique cherubs outside Two Temple Place (see more here.)

But this time I’d like to invite you inside…

Built in 1892 with, no expense spared, the interior is sumptuous.

But what really blew me away was upstairs…

Either side of the Great hall are two stained glass windows from 1895, it’s quite unusual for such large-scale windows to be at eye level but it means we can get a close look at the pictorial scenes.

A Swiss Summer Landscape (East window)

An Alpine Landscape (West window)

Known as Sunrise and Sunset, the East end (Sunrise, naturally) shows a Swiss landscape, you may be able to spot the Switzerland flag (above the ships in the bottom right corner). The West (sunset) scene is less easy to place geographically, but it’s thought it may represent the Italian Alps

Both were designed by Clayton and Bell, also unusual as they are the only landscape scenes they were ever commissioned to create.

Clayton and Bell was the most prolific workshop for stained glass in the late 19th century, founded in 1855 and capitalising on the popularity of stained glass, they were known for their use of brilliant, luminous colours.

Two Temple Place is usually closed to the public, but during it’s annual exhibitions, you can visit for free!
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