The goal of the thesis was to make available a reference for the beginning appreciation of stained glass windows. It was designed for the person who has no prior experience in stained glass, and therefore the information is kept general and non-technical. A short history of stained glass is contained within the first section, and the second section is a self-guided tour of stained glass in West Portland.The historical information was pieced together from the library resources of Portland State University. The subject itself is difficult, as extensive reference material and primary sources are simply not available.The second section was designed specifically for the Portland resident. Seven churches and a synagogue were selected within walking distance of one another. A map is included, and the reader is urged to take this self-guided tour. The data was gathered from church records, newspaper articles, the Oregon Historical Society, professional glass craftsmen and signatures on the windows. After extensive research, it is discouraging to note that almost no information on Portland stained glass is available. This is attributed in part to the attitude of many of the relative unimportance of stained glass, and the habit of church records and newspaper accounts to limit their reports to personalities rather than facts.Since the basic theme of the thesis deals with a visual art, it was necessary to relate as much visual information as possible. Twenty-five photographs were chosen from reference books, the British Museum, the Oregon Historical Society and private collections. Calligraphy, maps and drawings are also included.The thesis is limited in scope and written primarily for Portland residents and visitors. It is an introduction which presents no conclusions. It is a beginning reference for those who have just begun to take notice of stained glass.
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