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108
From 1962, an evolution of church buildings took place in Ireland stemming from liturgical
reforms from Vatican Council II. From the mid-1950s, the initiative for change in church
design came from within the architectural profession and the monks at Glenstall Abbey.
Building reforms in the Church coincided with the advent of new technology, materials
146
and
forms of coloured glass, ‘Dalle de Verre’,
147
used in the Galway Cathedral and St Dominican’s
Athy.
In June 1962, Campbell’s commission to execute Stations of the Cross for St Patrick’s Church,
Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, was unveiled. The success of this commission most likely led to the
commission for Stations of the Cross in Ballynahinch Church, Co. Galway.
In February 1962, Campbell's religious work came to prominence after he submitted
paintings to the ‘Sacred Art’ exhibition, where he was awarded a prize for ‘Jesus Falls for
the Third Time’.
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Other prizes followed.
149
The organizers of the Sacred Art exhibition
selected his work among twenty-five works from different categories to travel to the Salzburg
Biennale, 1962.
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Reinforced concrete, steel and factory laminated wood.
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Dalle de Verre
originated in Paris, 1930. Thick slabs of coloured glass could be chipped or faceted to
increase the reflection effects. Synthetic resin was used to adhere the glass.
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Campbell received £50. James White was a member of the jury.
149
Campbell received an Open Award (£500) from the British Arts Council for painters of any nationality
working in Britain and Ireland, 1963 and 1967. He also received the Douglas Gold Medal and supplementary
Arts Council of Ireland Award, 1966.
fig.168: George Campbell, ‘Jesus Meets Women
of Jerusalem’ Stations of The Cross, Cloonfad,
Ballyhaunis
fig.169: George Campbell, ‘Jesus Falls for The
Second Time, Stations of the Cross, Ballynahinch,
Roundstone, 1962