Magi: Camm saw, concurred

The so-called Digby Window in the south west corner of the church is signed by Thomas William Camm (1839-1912).

He founded family firms of stained glass designers and makers, first with his brothers John Matthew and Henry Charles as Camm Bros in 1882, and then under the name T. W. Camm & Co, from The Studio in Smethwick.

The window shows the adoration of the magi.

The inscription in the bottom of the window reads: "To the the glory of God and in affectionate memory of George Digby Wingfield Digby of Sherborne Castle, Dorset, and Coleshill who restored the church in 1859 and died in May 1883. This window is placed by desire of his widow who died in June 1891 by his relatives and friends 1894."

While not rare - there are many of his designs and installations in this country and abroad - it is a fine product of a once well-known Midlands family. Best known nowadays perhaps is his daughter, Florence.

Florence was one of three of nine children to join the family business, to which she dedicated her life. She Studied intermittently at the Birmingham School of Art until 1912 the year of her father's death, leaving the school to concentrate on the family firm.

Sandwell Community History and Archives Service at Smethwick Library has an extensive catalogue of Camm's work.

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