Hidden in Plain Sight

Australia’s war memorial stained glass, which stretches across more than a century from the Boer War to Vietnam, holds a rich artistic, technological and architectural history.  While stone soldiers were erected in suburbs and country towns across the country, churches, schools and civic buildings installed stained glass to remember those who fought for God, King and Empire. Despite artistic excellence many windows largely unknown, forgotten or in danger through continuing church closures.

This short talk, followed by the documentary Let the Light Shine, aims to reveal the diversity of commemorations in glass – from grand multi-lights to modest lancets - all of which increase our awareness, enjoyment and knowledge of Australian art, history and society.

Dr Bronwyn Hughes OAM is an art historian, writer and lecturer with specific interests in stained glass of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Prior to her ‘retirement’ she taught glass studies at Monash University, Holmesglen Institute and the University of Melbourne.

Ten years ago, she and her colleague Donna Kennedy started the highly successful not-for-profit, GLAAS Inc, to promote the conservation of Australia’s historic stained glass and contemporary glass in architecture – through education, exhibitions, events and publications.  

Her book, Lights Everlasting: Australia’s Commemorative Stained Glass from the Boer War to Vietnam (2003) uncovers the stories of war service and sacrifice told through the medium of glass.  She was one of the team that produced Let the Light Shine (2024), a documentary based on aspects of Lights Everlasting. 

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