Building Jerusalem: Bethesda Chapel Reborn
23 Jan 10 - 9 May 10
A Bethesda Chapel stained glass window saved from vandals will be on show at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery from this weekend (January 23) as part of a new exhibition.
The exhibition, entitled Building Jerusalem: Bethesda Chapel Reborn, will explore exploring the fascinating history of Bethesda Chapel and will feature the window which was saved by museum staff when the chapel closed in 1985.
The window depicts a painting based on ‘The Light of the World’ by William Holman Hunt, a founder member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Hunt used two models for the figure of Christ: a man for the features and a woman for the hair. Christ’s robe was apparently Hunt’s mother’s best tablecloth. The window has survived in remarkably good condition and has now been restored and re-leaded.
Located opposite museum, Bethesda Chapel is one of the most significant historical buildings in the city. The Chapel was built in 1819 and at the height of its popularity it became known as the ‘Cathedral of the Potteries’ and was Stoke-on-Trent’s leading place of worship. As a prominent focal point for the local community for nearly 200 years.
The Chapel was acquired by the Historic Chapels Trust in 2002 and is now a grade II listed building and its importance was recognised in 2003 when it became runner up in the 2003 Restoration’ series on BBC2.
Councillor Hazel Lyth, cabinet member for economic development and culture, said: “This wonderful window which was so prominent in the Chapel is a fine example of the beauty that was synonymous with buildings from that period. To have it and other items on display at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery allows residents of Stoke-on-Trent to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Chapel and the role it played in the city over the years.”
The exhibition not only examines the historical legacy of the Chapel and looks forward to its future restoration. Phase II of the restoration is underway and is financed by English Heritage, Heritage Lottery Fund and Friends of Bethesda. The exhibition also highlights the social context of the Chapel and its contribution to the local community. It illustrates the lives and loves of its congregation, a place of worship, baptisms, marriages and death.
Events
Talk : Methodism in the Potteries: from Wesley to Bethesda
@ The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
20 February 2pm free
Talk : The History of Bethesda Methodist Chapel
@ The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
27 February 2pm free
Talk : The Historic Chapels Trust: Its commitment to Bethesda
and plans for the future
@ The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
6 March 2pm free
Talk : Repairing Bethesda: Looking at architectural restoration
@ The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
20 March 2pm free
Learning
Course : Five week course: Building Jerusalem: Bethesda in context
Discover Hanley’s Bethesda Chapel and its place in the local historical,
social and cultural landscapes.
@ The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.
In Partnership with Keele University
23 February 2 - 4pm
Please book in advance. To enrol call 01782 733436
