Stairwell window at ‘Glenferrie,’ Malvern, Victoria

Stairwell window at ‘Glenferrie,’ Malvern, Victoria

Australiana, blazon, coat-of-arms, colonialism, Emu, Ferguson & Urie, Fergusson coat-of-arms, Glenferrie, James Fergusson, Kangaroo, Malvern, medieval design, rose, shamrock, Stained Glass, symbolism, thistle, VIC, Victoria

This commanding stairwell window by Ferguson & Urie (1872) is calculated to reflect the prosperity and good fortune of the original owner, James Fergusson. Fergusson was a Melbourne manufacturing stationer, and was at times a member of the Legislative assembly and Shire President. The window was probably installed shortly after he moved into ‘Glenferrie’ in 1872 and remained there, long after Fergusson died in 1888, until the house was demolished in 1954. The window comprises three large central lights, the innermost of which contains the Fergusson Coat-of-Arms, and three smaller top lights, each containing specifically Australian motifs (Kangaroo, Colonial Coat-of Arms, and an Emu). The ‘diapered’ octagonal background quarries feature a rose, shamrock, and thistle pattern that is stylistically ‘medieval,’ signifying a link to the British Isles. Hand painted scenes in the (lower) main tier of panels depict relevant features of the burgeoning economy, which are related to trade, productivity, and the exploitation of natural resources.

Healley, Ben

Museum Victoria

2001

© Museum Victoria

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