Canning Liturgical Arts sets the background of the project for us:
The chapel was originally built in 1887 in honor of Augustus Belmont and Catherine Perry’s deceased daughter, but required significant repairs soon after completion. The architect in charge was Richard Morris Hunt, a good friend of the Belmont and prominent architect at the time. Hunt brought in a number of famed artisans including the Audsely Brothers, E.S. Oudinot, Merson, F. Gaudin, and Louis C. Tiffany to beautify the interior and create new stained-glass.
Unfortunately, the chapel fell into disuse and by the 21st century was completely covered in vines and had a compromised roof, smashed windows (the Tiffany window was destroyed and we still don’t know what it looked like), and a vandalized interior. Because of this damage, it was nearly torn down but the Belmont Chapel Foundation was created to restore the entire building as best as possible.
Canning was brought in to determine what the original designs and colors were and replicate them most notably in the chancel. The rest of the interior likely would have had patterns and design work too but ... the client decided to restore only what was certain.
This whole space is an excellent example of Aesthetic Movement art and stained-glass and almost feels like a garden since every design from the glass to the altar and pews include plants.
The loss of the Tiffany glass is, of course, lamentable.
At any rate, with that all in mind, let's take a look at what Canning was able to accomplish. (You will see from the 'before' photos, just how dilapidated the church had become both inside and out.)
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