Chagall window in Chichester Cathedral

One of the many fascinating aspects of this cathedral.

The following information was provided in the Cathedral website:

Many visitors to Chichester Cathedral come just to see this window. It is the result of the combination of the inspiration of Walter Hussey (Dean of Chichester 1965-1977) who suggested the theme of ‘The Arts to the Glory of God’, and the interpretation of Marc Chagall (1887-1985) who, as a Jew, realised that Psalm 150, which urges the readers to “let everything that has breath praise the Lord”, was a perfect illustration of this theme. 

In 1969 Dean Hussey, inspired by the strong colours of Chagall’s windows in the Hebrew Medical School in Jerusalem and in the church at Tudeley in Kent, approached the artist who had visited Chichester, and asked him if he would design a window for the Cathedral. At that time Chagall was too busy, but Hussey contacted him again in 1975. 

The window contains all the musical instruments mentioned in the psalm, from the Jewish harp played by King David at the top, to the strings (bottom left) and the trumpet (bottom right). There is also a reference to literature: a man on the extreme right (fourth section down) is holding a book, whilst two figures (centre left) hold aloft the seven-branched candlestick.  A number of animals and birds appear in the window, perhaps representing members of God’s kingdom who join in the praise.

The window was manufactured in the studio of Charles Marq (Rheims, France); it was unveiled by the Duchess of Kent and dedicated by the Bishop of Chichester in October 1978. Many people regard it as the crowning achievement of Hussey’s time at the Cathedral.