On that long hot day between Stoke-by-Nayland and Long Melford the church of the Holy Innocents in Lamarsh was a curious interlude. The name itself was delightful, but I was surprised to see such a small place in such a rural site so full of fabulous art. The images in the stained glass were boldly designed in strong colour, and deserve to be better known. The Holy Innocents themselves took centre stage in the East window, with the virgin Mary tenderly protecting her baby. The church website , http://www.lamarshchurch.org.uk/Lamarsh.html#_Toc31807822 does not do justice to either the work or its producer. Mary Lowndes was an active member of the suffragette movement and established the Artists’ Suffrage League. She was part of the Arts and Crafts movement; she co-founded The Glass House as a stained-glass studio and was prolific in output. This is a treasure and I am only sorry my phone was dead and I could not take any photos- I can only advise that you visit this Church for yourself .
I was pleased to learn Mary has now been recognised on the plinth of the statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square.
I left the church inspired, but also saddened that women artists are still relatively ignored. Mary deserves greater recognition for her achievments.
