Glasgow: University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel, West Window

The Strachan Rose Window

A rose window of seven cinquefoils, three daggers and a central septfoil.

This window depicts the symbols of the four cardinal virtues of civic life- Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Courage, the coat of arms of the University and its three founders, James II, who requested the University be established, Pope Nicholas V, who declared it a studium generale and Bishop William Turnbull, to whose passion for learning drove the creation of the University.

Dedication:
This window was donated by Sir Donald MacAlister (1854-1934) a former Chancellor of the University. MacAlister was Chancellor during a period of immense growth at the university, the Chapel being one of the new buildings that was completed during his time in office. The rose window was dedicated as a memorial to Earl Archibald Philip Primrose who had been Rector and Chancellor to the University.

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.