ONE of Milnthorpe's most popular artistic features is the parish church's east window.

But, gallingly, it was described as 'bad' in Pevsner's 'Buildings of England' 1960 guide to Westmorland, and as 'quite bad' in the 2005 revised edition.

No doubt the distinguished German professor was taken aback by the dozen or so stereotypical children's Bible-type scenes of the life and death of Jesus, one of which shows the risen Lord with a spiky halo sprouting from each side of his body, suggesting that he was standing in the middle of a circular saw.

Yet, altogether, the rich purples, bright reds and royal blue hues enlivened the church when it needed decorating, and go well with recent, more tasteful, decor.

Historically, the window has an odd history. It was the gift, in 1872, of the Whittaker family, who had made a fortune by importing guano manure through the port of Milnthorpe.

It was designed by a local artist - Frederick Burrow, of Sandside.

His stained glass is set in Milnthorpe's two almshouses and in private homes such as Owlett Ash House.

Despite his work being displayed in many local churches, including Arnside, Heversham and Holme, it came as a surprise when his obituary stated that his views 'tended towards atheism'.

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History column: The church window | The Westmorland Gazette - The Westmorland Gazette