They are not the same

James Hogan – a designer and glass painter who worked on many windows in Liverpool Cathedral – made this observation:

Stained glass painting has no relation whatsoever to picture painting.

It is an art of its own, dealing with the transmission of light through coloured material, whilst painting is the application of a coloured pigment on a flat surface upon which light is reflected.

“Oi, girls, let’s get Hogan – he’s disqualified us!”

A neat, analytical distinction, this.

As you would expect, it risks disqualifying substantial quantities of painting on glass.

But never mind that for now. I am sure that the ladies on my left will set dear Hogan straight.

And also never mind Hogan’s assumption that stained glass painting is an art. Ah, “art” is such a slippery word – especially in these post-modern times of ours.

Instead, join me on a journey to the Dark Side.

This way, please.