Magpie stained glass panel

In Britain, they used to be called just “pie.” Sometime in the 16th century, the prefix “Mag” was added meaning “chaterer.” Saluting magpies is an old English tradition and is said to ward off bad luck.The birds are associated with witchcraft in Yorkshire and people used to cross themselves when they saw one. The Scots used to believe that magpies had a drop of the Devil’s blood under their tongues, and if one was seen near a window death could not be far behind. This may be tied to the legend that magpies did not mourn the crucifixion of Jesus.

Victorian style magpie and accompanying nursery rhyme stained glass panel. The panel has numerous hand painted sections including the circular painting of the magpies and surrounding decorative sections. Other parts of the panel feature green glass with foliate patterns as well as creeping vines and leaves made using the silver stain method. The outer border includes some original Victorian glass, rich ruby red flashed and shades of purple. The turquoise hand painted roundels are contemporary spectrum glass. Some photos are taken with trace paper behind the panel to highlight the colours and avoid glare, the others were taken without.

This is an original contemporary item made using traditional craft techniques and very detailed illustration/ decoration. Where possible I combine original Victorian glass with contemporary glass types. This is a unique one-off piece. The central panel and all other designs have been hand painted, using powdered enamel pigments and then kiln fired for permanence which means the whole panel is totally lightfast, so will not fade. The panel is finally leaded and puttied ( so is weatherproofed and can be used for an external door) then blacked and polished. A piece of original craftwork that will last for many many years. This piece can be fitted with a black chain ( to hang the panel in a window if required ) at no extra cost. Approximate dimensions of panel....

Width 275mm x Height 395mm