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Charles E Kempe (1837-1907) was a painter of walls, ceilings and woodwork of churches in the 1860's. The style then in vogue reflected a resurgance of interest to high church practices. Kempe's training served him well, and he started his own stained glass company, CE Kempe and Co in London, in 1868. |
Kempe was not a trained artist, but was nevertheless artistic, and able to suggest ideas which could be developed by his artists and cartoonists. He insisted that only the firm's name should take the credit for the standard of work produced, and that individual members of the studio remain anonymous.
Kempe perfected the use of silver stain on clear glass, which leaves a yellow tint, which could be delicate or deep depending on the amount of stain. His greatest stylistic influence was the stained glass of Northern Germany and Flanders from the 16th Century. He took many trips to Europe, often taking the Kempe Company artists with him.
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The insignia of Kempe, from about 1895 until his death in 1907 was a wheatsheaf, from his family's coat of arms. After his death, the firm was run by four of his directors, including his cousin, Walter Tower. The insignia then changed to a wheatsheaf with a black tower. Appleby St Michael was declared redundant in 1975, and sold for private use. Holy Trinity Ulverston has also been sold for private use. |
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Further information can be found in the book 'Master of Glass' by Margaret Stavridi, (John
Taylor Books, 1988). This is available from the Kempe Society.
The Kempe Society was founded in Liverpool in 1984, to support the interest in the work of Mr Kempe and his company. You may contact the Society at 41 York Avenue, Crosby, Liverpool, L23 5RN. Tel No. 0151 924 6345. The secretary is Mr Phillip Collins. For more information about Charles Kempe see |
Too see high quality photographs of the windows at some of these churches, see Stained Glass Photography.
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Page last changed 24 Nov 2006.
