Glasgow: University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel, North Aisle

The Applied Science and Medicine Windows

Two windows of single lancet lights.

These two lights depict subjects studied within the University of Glasgow- Applied Science and Medicine.
Applied Science:
Upper section: This section depicts a representation of Virgo holding the staff of truth.
Primary scene: This section depicts a man working in an abstract factory full of fire and smoke, symbolising industry and innovation.
Lower section: This portion contains the inscription “Applied Science”.

The Applied Science window was dedicated in 1934

Medicine:
Upper section: This section depicts a winged Libra holding her scales.
Primary scene: The section depicts Samson fighting a lion and in the foreground is a man in a Doctor’s coat holds up an injured patient. This can be intpreted as God gave Samson strength to combat his enemies and perform heroic deeds which can be compared on par with the gifts of Doctors with the ability to heal the sick.
Lower section: This portion contains the inscription “Medicine”.

The Medicine window was dedicated in 1935.

Artist:
Douglas Strachan (1875-1950) was born in Aberdeen and educated at Robert Gordon’s College. Strachan took evening classes at Gray’s School of Art. He worked as an apprentice lithographer, a muralist, a portrait painter and then found his passion for Stained Glass as he worked on a commission in the early 20th century. Strachan’s first major design was for the Peace Palace in The Hague installed in 1929. He worked on many memorial windows, including the renowned designs for the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle, from 1923-1927.The Memorial Chapel at the University of Glasgow was Strachan’s last major design effort, he died in 1950 in the midst of completing the entire scheme, with only 9 of the projected 18 windows completed.