Models of Mary

Fr Charles designed a similar figure of Mary for the Church of Winefride and the Church of Our Lady of Fatima. The use of the same mould with slight alterations appears likely and would have saved money in the process of production. In all the windows Mary is iconographically similar but is represented in different colours. Mary models the fashionable A-line style dress from the 1960’s, establishing a relationship between the secular and religious. It is interesting that the Benedictine monks were in line and up to date with contemporary thought and fashion choices. Perhaps the style was selected in adherence to the Second Vatican Council’s idea of designing a Church to be relevant to the modern world as Our Lady is depicted with modern style, materials and design. 

It is significant that Mary is wearing a blue dress at Lillington, since the colouring connects to the iconographic glazing scheme in the Church. In religious iconography Mary traditionally wears blue and sometimes white, emblematic of her purity. Notably, blue is a prominent colour throughout Our Lady's. This colour coordination links the liturgical and decorative use of Mary together, combining depiction and devotion in different media. Indeed, this is also achieved through light, as Mary’s radiance is reflected when the sun shines upon her. Especially on bright sunny days when different components of glass merge into one another, blurring the slabs of dalle together, making her appear more lifelike. When sunny, her image projects onto the adjacent playground. Perhaps, subtle symbolism that everyone is under Mary’s protection and care, just like Jesus was during his life on earth. Mary’s heavenly presence is highlighted with the glass angled towards her from flanking windows. The reflected multicoloured light from the glowing glass is the same as that in the window of Mary. Above whom, a dove represents an outporing of the Holy Spirit, a prevalent theme throughout the Church.