This series of three Christmas commemorative stamps showcase scenes from the magnificent stained-glass windows of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Kingston, ON, which was built nearly a century and a half ago. The windows were originally imported from England. Over the years, several installation projects, additions and changes have been undertaken. This work includes a complete restoration of the windows, which began in 1993, done on site by glass and installation artist Mark Thompson, using much the same methods employed for the past thousand years.
Christmas
The art of creating coloured glass is ancient, and was originally practiced by both the Egyptians and the Romans. Stained glass set in wooden frames to create a similar effect, has been used in churches and other stately buildings the world over since the Middle Ages.