In a spectacular showcase of creativity and talent, here at Liverpool Cathedral, we are pleased to announce the winners of Our Stained Glass Windows Designing Competition.
Our iconic cathedral, known for its breathtaking architecture and commitment to promoting the arts, received an overwhelming response with entries pouring in from 872 pupils representing 46 schools across the region.
Cathedral Architect Mike Darwell, one of the judges for the competition, expressed his delight with the entries, saying, “We thought the two designs were an excellent response to the briefs that were set, to commemorate a single event that took place during the last 100 years or an inspirational person. The attention to detail in the designs and the skill in artistic execution is superb. Both designs were incredibly vibrant, instantly eye catching, and conveying a powerful and relevant message, which is what good stained glass should do.
The winning designs, chosen for their outstanding creativity and adherence to the competition’s themes, were a Eurovision 2023-inspired masterpiece by Grace Gregory of Yew Tree Primary Academy and A Malala Yusafzai design from Isabel Cummings of St Hilda’s CE High School.
Grace Gregory’s Eurovision-themed design captured the essence of the beloved music competition, incorporating vibrant colours and intricate details that brought the event to life. The dynamic composition and Grace’s ability to convey the excitement of Eurovision through stained glass impressed the judges and resonated with the cathedral’s commitment to reflecting contemporary culture.
Isabel Cummings’ from Key Stage 3 stated “ I chose to draw Malala Yusafzai because she stood up for girls’ rights and girls’ education. The drawings in her headscarf symbolise her love of education, school and everything she stood for. Even her past traumas didn’t stop her, not even getting shot in the head. She is such an inspiration for young girls and really everyone else too.”
The competition, with its record-breaking number of entries, showcased the immense talent and creativity of young minds in the community. Liverpool Cathedral continues to be a beacon of inspiration for nurturing artistic expression, providing a platform for students to explore and showcase their talents.
The winning designs are set to be transformed into stunning stained glass windows, to be displayed in Liverpool Museum’s exhibition celebrating Liverpool Cathedral’s 2024 Centenary. The vibrant and meaningful designs by Grace Gregory and Isabel Cummings will undoubtedly contribute to the cathedral’s rich visual tapestry and serve as a testament to the power of art in conveying powerful and relevant messages.
Exploring the Sunday Gospel – First Sunday of Lent