Christine Boyce – A Retrospective Exhibition
Christine Boyce (1928–2019)
A distinguished British stained glass artist and craftswoman noted for her deeply meaningful ecclesiastical work in Cumbria and beyond.
Early Life & Background
Born in Hull in 1928.
Studied at Newcastle-on-Tyne College under LC Evetts.
Christine discovered glasswork in the 1960s, finding it aligned with her reverence for nature and spirituality .
Settling in Cumbria
In later years, Christine lived at Banks, near Brampton, Cumbria. Known for her warm mentorship, Christine was described as “knowledgeable, kind and honest” .
Major Works & Contributions
William Morris Dossal, Lanercost Priory Involved in the 2013–14 restoration of the dossal (embroidered altar hanging) designed by William Morris, originally installed in 1887. Her contributions extended beyond glass to preserving textile artistry.
Norman Nicholson Memorial Window,
St George’s Church, Millom
Crafted and installed in 2000, this vibrant window commemorates local poet Norman Nicholson. Depictions include bee orchid, bloody cranesbill, Halley’s Comet, and lines from Nicholson’s poetry. It came to be a key cultural symbol in Millom, featured in local heritage guides.
Other Cumbrian Ecclesiastical Window Christine designed an heraldic window at Lanercost Priory for St Mary Magdalene, alongside work at Abbey Mill. She created ecclesiastical stained glass in Cumbria, such as the Wilson memorial at Egremont and works at Keswick’s St Mary & St Michael. Her later work, including her 2019 project at Ampthill’s St Andrew window, came just before her passing.
Legacy
Christine passed away in November 2019, shortly after leading a stained glass study day in Carlisle. Her funeral was held at Lanercost Priory on 26 November 2019.
Celebrate the life and work of Christine Boyce stained glass artist, painter, and craftswoman of Banks, Cumbria.
Her work holds the dazzle of everyday life, humanity, hills, and handmade things a lasting legacy of nature, words, and craft in the Cumbrian landscape.
A comprehensive appreciation appears in the Journal of Stained Glass (vol. XLIII, 2019).
A monograph, Christine Boyce: Artist and Craftswoman, edited by Alastair Carew‑Cox, was published in 2021 .