'The River Window'

2018

Design by Deb Lowe

1400mm wide x 26400mm including frame

The church is a light and airy eighteenth century building of simplicity and elegance. The aim of the design is to harmonize with and enhance this distinctive architecture.

The ‘River’ Window is a celebration of the region’s history and landscape. Set in summertime it depicts creation and ‘life in all its abundance’.

Green and gold borders frame a scene of the River Ribble with Pendle Hill in the background. At the base fish can be seen in the water (trout, chub and perch, all found in the Ribble) flanked by bulrushes and iris. A kingfisher perches on a bough of willow. A horse and foal graze on the banks. The river meanders through fields of sheep, a reference to the farming and wool weaving history. In the distance a white bull, a reference to distinctive listed White Bull Inn.

In the arch at the top of the window are plants and flowers; the Willow and alder, trees that grow by the river. Red wild roses which are the emblem of Lancashire. Flowering heads of teasel, traditionally used in weaving to raise the nap of cloth. Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance and a reference to Ribchester’s Roman history (the herb was introduced to Britain by the Romans).