Stained glass window titled Theology, Queen of Sciences Surrounded by Faith, Love, Hope, Wisdom, Moral Conduct, Humility and Love of Learning
The beautiful, prominent stain glass window in Bryce Hall has been successfully restored and is again hanging in its historic place. The window titled Theology, Queen of Sciences Surrounded by Faith, Love, Hope, Wisdom, Moral Conduct, Humility, and Love of Learning, was created for Manitoba College in 1892 by the artist Henry Holiday, a prominent English painter and designer of stained glass. When a newly constructed Bryce Hall opened in 1951, the window was installed in a corridor/stairwell above the main entrance to the building. This has been its home ever since, where it has just been unveiled in its restored form to launch UWinnipeg’s ArtsFest that runs from September 24 – 26.
This restoration project was one of love and attention. Winnipeg-based Prairie Stained Glass conducted the restoration of the window, including the removal of existing lead, cleaning of glass, stabilization of cracked glass, reassembly of the window with new lead and reinstallation. It is with the help of the Province of Manitoba’s Heritage Grants Program that UWinnipeg was able to restore this artistically and historically significant object, intricately linked to the development of post-secondary education in Manitoba.
The University of Winnipeg has a longstanding commitment to the preservation, promotion, and interpretation of Manitoba’s heritage. The award winning restoration of the historic Wesley Hall over the past decade demonstrates the University’s commitment to the sustainable, long term preservation of one of this province’s important cultural artifacts.
History of the Window
The window was commissioned by Dr. John Mark King, professor of Theology and the first Principal of Manitoba College. He donated the window to Manitoba College in 1892 in memory of his wife, Janet Skinner King (d.1886). In 1931 Manitoba College sold its property, leaving the window at the College for an additional number of years.
