The art of Hugh Easton and the stained-glass closet in post-war Britain

Brocket, Jane; Janes, Dominic

Abstract

Hugh Ray Easton (1906-1965) was a leading mid-twentieth century British designer of stained-glass windows. His works combined neo-baroque style with an aesthetic that was attuned to glamour in contemporary media such as film and homoerotic physique magazines. His work was installed in a large number of Anglican churches as well as in a range of other buildings. He was particularly noted for his war memorial windows including at Westminster Abbey. These featured images of military service personnel, Jesus, saints and angels modeled on an ideal type of youthful, muscular, blond masculinity. The article argues for a reappraisal of Easton’s art and explains that the relative absence of critical discussion of these artworks can be explained by homophobia on the part of the artistic establishment and the closeting of same-sex desire within the Church of England.

Citation

Brocket, J., & Janes, D. (in press). The art of Hugh Easton and the stained-glass closet in post-war Britain. Journal of Religious History,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 19, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 19, 2024
• Print ISSN: 0022-4227
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Anglican, Britain, Church of England, Closet, Homosexuality, Queer, Stained Glass, Twentieth Century
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/796507