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Client: Temple Beth Zion
Location: Buffalo, New York
Designer: Ben Shahn
Architect:
Max Abramovitz
Scope of Project:
1 - Bimah Window 32’ wide X 40’ high
1 - Balcony window 28’ wide X 24’ high
Techniques Utilized:
acid etched flashed glass, silver staining, hand painted fired glasses,
leaded and mouth blown antique glasses
Additional Information:
One of Buffalo's prominent landmarks, Temple Beth Zion consists of
scalloped walls, 60 foot ceilings and two magnificent stained glass windows
designed by famed artist Ben Shahn and fabricated by the Willet Studios.
The congregation had purchased a painting of Shahn’s at a New York art
gallery. This painting became the inspiration and design for the bema
window. The painting was translated into a stained glass cartoon
by Benoit Gilsoul, who also did the detailed acid etching of the flashed
glasses.
They also commissioned Shahn to design a large façade window for
the expanding curved opening. Ben Shahn and Henry Lee Willet learned from
each other as they created this fabulous window. Mr. Shahn liked to
describe himself as “Mr. Willet’s Newest Apprentice.” |
