Library Stained Glass Windows
Background
There are four stained glass windows located on the southern side of the Library building (near the Library entrance). All the windows were designed and installed by Australian stained glass designer and teacher, Cedar Prest, and installed at different stages during the period 1984-1994.
The first window was commissioned by the Library from funds donated in memory of Mollie Thomson, Deputy Librarian (1971-1980) and unveiled on 22 July 1984. The design elements reflect (her) Mollie's love of Australian wildflowers particularly the wattle.
A second window was prepared from funds presented in memory of Dr. Elisabeth Hervic, Senior Lecturer in French at Macquarie University (1972-1981). It was unveiled on 15 March 1991 and included within its design, elements reflecting Elisabeth Hervic's range of special interests: French culture (French flag), the theatre (an amphitheatre) and a selection of flowers (blue cornflowers, white daisies, lilies and red poppies - the three flowers of France that are used to denote the national colours (bleu, blanc, rouge).
The third and fourth windows (immediately adjacent to the Library entrance doors) include plants once native to the University site, the angophora with its curvaceous branches and the unbelievably tall and spectacular Gymea lily. The windows are in memory of Mrs.H.J. Cantwell, a major benefactor of the Library, and Mr. A.J.T. Ford, Registrar of Macquarie University [1965-1985].
Biographical Profile:
Cedar Prest (born 1940, Victoria).
Studies:
Life drawing classes at the National Art School, Melbourne; graduated Bachelor
of Arts University of Melbourne, 1960, and later Diploma of Education. Studied
stained glass at Wimbledon College of Art, London and Hornsley College of
Art 1965-66. Studied in Germany 1973 with assistance of an Australia Council
Crafts Board Grant; travel studies in USA 1973-74, as well as working at
the glass-blowing workshop at the Jam Factory, Adelaide, with Sam Herman.
Taught at the Craft Association of South Australia summer schools, and lectured
at schools in the USA and UK. Has worked extensively with Aboriginal communities
in the Northern Territory sharing her skills in the creation of stained
glass windows - in particular at the Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
(1987-1988). Multimedia studies, Marden Senior College (1999-2001); 'Art As Meditation' at University of Creation Spirituality, California (2002); Labyrinth Facilitator, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco (2002).
Mediums:
Stained glass, often incorporating blown work, slumped, etched and hot rolled.
Painting, prints and drawings
Wrought iron and steel structures.
Glass and/or stone mosaic. Carved limestone.
Labyrinth landscaping, especially with healing plants.
Recent Exhibitions:
2004 Universal Playground, Adelaide Festival.
2002 Adelaide Festival exhibition, Guerilla Art, St. Peters. Solo show.
2002 Women's 7th International Glass workshop exhibition, Lane Gallery, Auckland NZ.
2001 Nudes exhibition, Henley Beach Gallery, Adelaide.
2000 New Works exhibition, Kensington Gallery, Adelaide.
1999 Australian Spirituality, Festival Exhibition, Adelaide
1998 The Fleurieu Biennale, McClaren Vale, South Australia.
1998 Then and Now - Mark 2, Meat Market, Melbourne Collection.
1998 She, Women's Art, Public and Personal, Box Factory, South Australia.
1997 Important Women' Artists, Greenhill Galleries, Adelaide.
1995 Women's International Glass Workshop, Park Tower Gallery, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
1994 Jam Factory 21 Birthday Exhibition.
Commissions:
Many glass windows in churches and public buildings including: St. Peter's
Cathedral (Anglican), North Adelaide, the University of Adelaide, St.
Michael's Ukrainian Church, Croydon; St. Davids Church, Burnside, St.
Anne's Church, Marion and St. John's Church, Maitland, SA; Sydney International
Air Terminal: High Tide, East Coast (1993), Macquarie University Library,
Sydney, NSW, and Eastwood (NSW) Catholic Church.
Awards:
Order of Australia Medal 1987 - for services to Stained Glass and youth.
Chancellor's Medal, Flinders University 1994.
Churchill Fellow 2002-2003.
Membership:
Elected to British Society of Master Glass Painters 1966 (the original Medieval Guild).
Foundation and Life Member of Crafts Council, South Australia.
Chair of Crafts Board, Australia Council 1980-1983.
Board Member of Arts Council of South Australia 1984-1987.
Sources:
The Encyclopedia of Australian Art.
(eds.) Alan McCulloch and Susan McCulloch.
St. Leonards, Allen & Unwin 1994 [3rd ed.].
Germaine, Max. A Dictionary of Women Artists of Australia.
Roseville, NSW, Craftsman House, 1991.
Crocker, Robert, "Cedar Prest: Community Art and Spirituality."
Artlink Vol.18 No.1 March 1998 pp.61-63.
Zimmer, Jenny, "Cedar Prest." Craft Australia No.4 Summer 1978 pp.18-22.
Personal communication with the artist: July 2004.