Press release submitted by Museum of Russian Icons
The Museum of Russian Icons will present “In Company with Angels: Seven Rediscovered Tiffany Windows,” an exhibition of stained glass angels created in 1902 for a Swedenborgian church in Cincinnati. The windows were displaced when the church was razed in 1964 for highway construction.
All seven windows will be on view at Museum of Russian Icons from July 14 to October 16, 2016, along with other objects created by Tiffany and several icons from the Museum’s collection that relate to the windows. The special exhibit opening reception, on July 14, will include a talk by Rev. Susannah Curry, M.DIV, BCC. Rev. Currie spent nine years as pastor at the Swedenborgian Church at Temenos, and as Director of the Temenos Retreat Center in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where the Tiffany stained glass angel windows of “In Company with Angels” were rediscovered and restored.
The eight-foot-tall windows were crated and remained for almost 40 years in parishioners’ garages and basements. They were brought from Ohio to Pennsylvania in a U-Haul truck to a barn on a Swedenborgian church property in 1991. A newly-assigned minister opened the mysterious unmarked crates in 2001. Stunned, she called stained-glass expert Arthur Femenella, who recognized Tiffany’s opalescent glass, design, and technique, despite decades of grime. Church archives confirmed his attribution and restoration of the angel windows began in 2004. Cleaning of the last window revealed Tiffany’s signature.
The Swedenborgian faith is a Christian tradition, based on the writings of 18th century scientist and mystic Emanuel Swedenborg. A central theme of the Swedenborgian denomination teaches that the purpose of human life is to prepare to live as angels in heaven. It also holds that angels are present and contribute to daily life on earth, and “inwardly, a person is in company with angels, though unaware,” thus the importance of the seven stained glass windows.
The Tiffany windows portray the angels of the early Christian churches of Asia Minor (in present-day Turkey) to whom letters are addressed in the Book of Revelation. Each full-length angel holds the gift that God promises if the churches reform their ways. Each angel has a slightly different stance and type of garment, lending individuality to a group united by their flame-like wings against the sky.
The In Company with Angels exhibit is designed around the central experience of viewing the seven backlit stained-glass angel windows. Text panels introduce visitors to the historical background, the artistic qualities and the spiritual inspiration of the window series, which Tiffany named “Angels Representing Seven Churches.” There is a short video on the restoration of the windows.
Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) achieved dramatic effects of color, light, and texture in glass by several innovative means. Fusing different colors of glass during the manufacture gave colors an iridescent glow. Pulling and twisting the molten glass produced folds simulating fabric. Thick chunks of polished smooth (“glass jewels”) added depth, and faceted edges allowed light to bend and reflect.
At the turn of the 20th century, Tiffany windows were in great demand for American churches. Given that an estimated 50 percent of Tiffany’s church windows have since been lost, rediscoveries — especially of a series like this of the Seven Angels — is a significant event in the history of American glass.
July at the Museum of Russian Icons
July 7: Adult Craft Night, 5-7:30PM, free with admission
Take a break from viewing the art and make some of your own. With inspiration from the Tiffany windows on display, we’ll have a fun and relaxing “adult coloring” evening.
July 14: “In Company with Angels: Seven Rediscovered Tiffany Windows,” exhibit opening. Free to members, $10 for nonmembers. Rev. Susannah Curry, M.DIV, BCC, who spent nine years as the Pastor at the Swedenborgian church where the windows were discovered, will discuss the find and restoration process. Advance registration is highly recommended. Call 978.598.5000 to RSVP.
July 22: FREE FUN FRIDAY! Join us for this free day at the Museum, courtesy of The Highland Street Foundation. We’ll have special gallery talks and plenty of craft activities.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
The Museum of Russian Icons inspires the appreciation and study of Russian culture by collecting and exhibiting icons and related objects, igniting the interest of national and international audiences; and offering interactive educational programs. The Museum serves as a leading center for research and scholarship through the Center for Icon Studies and other institutional collaborations. It is the only museum in the USA dedicated to Russian icons, and it is the largest collection of icons outside of Russia.
Museum hours:
Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., first Thursday of the month to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission:
Adults $10, seniors (59+) $7, Students and Children (3-7) $5, Children under 3 Free.
For more information please visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.
