News on Screen

Series

Series Name

Mining Review 12th Year

Issue

Issue No.

6

Date Released

Feb 1959

Stories in this Issue:

• 1. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE - MINERS OFFERING
• 2. FRESH GROUND
• 3. REG LAMB

Story

Story No. within this Issue

1 / 3

Summary

BFI synopsis: artist R.A. Milne designs and Felix Domegar makes a stained glass window donated to Langley Church.
NCB Commentary - Shipley Woodside Colliery. For 22 years of his 52 years in mining, Henry King served here as deputy. Now in retirement, Henry enjoys keeping his house in Eastwood, spick and span.
The Kings have always been keen church goers. Their longstanding ambition was to leave some token to the parish church at Langley Mill where they worship.
Once, when the Vicar called, the subject was discussed. The Reverend Williams-Jones asked, "Why not present your offering now so that you may enjoy it during your life times?" The idea struck home. So a Nottingham firm were commissioned to produce a stained glass window.
R. A. Milne, fellow of the British Society of Master Glass Painters, was the artist. To start with he made a small scale representation in colour.
It was a big moment when the colour drawing arrived at the Kings’ household.
This was to be their gift, their tribute in gratitude to the church for all that it had meant to them.
Permission to go ahead was obtained from the Ecclesiastical Authorities. Artiest [sic] Milne began work on a full-size layout - a plan of the jigsaw puzzle of glass, 22 feet high, which would become the Kings’ window.
Following this plan each separate piece of glass was cut in Nottingham. The glass has to be matched with texture as well as colour.
The fitting together of these intricate pieces was in the hands of Felix Domagala. After firing, the pieces were leaded together. Gradually the window took shape.
After Mr. Milne had put the final touches the work was completed. The devoted wish of Henry and Winifred King was at last satisfied.
The design symbolizes the two main-streams of Henry King’s life - the church and mining. The window has been dedicated to all coal miners in the area; the central figure is that of St. Barbara, patron saint of colliers.
The road to the pit head was trodden by Henry King for 52 years.
Now to the glory of God and the honour of all miners, Henry King and his wife, have said in their way, thank you.

Researcher Comments

Commentary recorded 5th January 1959.

Keywords

Buildings and structures; Arts and crafts; Mining; Religion and belief

Written sources

British Film Institute Databases   Used for synopsis
The National Archives COAL 32   /12 Scripts for Mining Review, 1956-1960

Credits:

Production Co.

Documentary Technicians Alliance

Sponsor

National Coal Board