Glasgow: Garnethill Synagogue, Main Sanctuary

The Glazed Cupola

Window of many glass panels set into a semi dome wooden frame in the apse.

The Garnethill Synagogue was the first purpose built Synagogue in Scotland. It was completed in 1881 and most windows were installed and completed by this date.

The glass panels are etched, painted and stained. The design of the Synagogue is notable High Victorian gothic, and some of these panels show Islamic design influences. One glass panel depicts the first two Hebrew words of each of the Ten Commandments.

Artist:
Original records have been found in the Synagogue dating from 1879. Under ‘Class of Work’ it was noted ‘Glass’ and ‘Kier’ was paid £503 and 8 shillings. ‘Kier’ would have been the Glasgow based Stained Glass Studio, W. & J.J. Kier, run by brothers William and James Kier. This studio was founded by their father David Kier (1802-1864).