Trena Cox always included sensitive depictions of nature in her stained glass. Figures stand on a carpet of tiny wildflowers teeming with life, as in this example from St James the Great, Ince. This beautiful two light window was created in 1929 and dedicated to the memory of Eric Helsby, a local man who loved nature and died tragically young. The full window depicts St Francis and St Werburgh (see below) and the creatures in this detail are gathered around the feet of St Francis. I love the curious yellow bird looking up at the saint and the rabbit standing at the edge of the design. Cox's tiny birds, butterfies and snails add character and vitality to her stained glass designs.
Trena Cox's depictions of birds have inspired the design of my forthcoming exhibition Trena Cox: Reflections 100 at Chester Cathedral - they appear on information boards, posters, maps and leaflets. The design has been conceived and realised by Eleanor O'Grady, a talented emerging graphic designer who is currently studying at the University of Chester. Cox's depictions of nature have also inspired the many art and craft workshops delivered throughout the community of Chester recently by myself and artists Clare Owens and Helen Jones.
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