A new stained glass window, a memorial to a well-loved local GP, wife and mother, will be installed at St Wilfrid’s church, Kirby Knowle, on Monday 24th November.
The window will commemorate the life of Dr Jane Rajan, a GP from Thirsk. Designed by Helen Whittaker of Barley Studios, the memorial was commissioned by Raj Rajan, Jane’s husband. Helen’s design for the window symbolises Jane’s vocation as a doctor, showing St Luke, who was both a physician and a painter.
Helen Whittaker said, “The window shows St Luke painting an icon of the Virgin and Child. Behind the artist is a darkened doorway through which glimpses of finished portraits can be seen. Also seen in the window are celebrated medical and religious figures such as Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (pioneer of women’s medicine) and Alexander Fleming (the inventor of penicillin).
“In the foreground of the window you can see a pot of three lilies, which is a reference both to the Holy Trinity and to Jane’s husband and two children. To its left is a pot holding medical instruments, with a small emblem of the British Medical Association – a body close to Jane’s practice as a Doctor. There is also a jar of paintbrushes , representing the over-arching themes of purity, healing and creativity.
“Jane and Raj’s family roots in Scotland and Sri Lanka are symbolised by the border patterns, which derive from the tea plant with its historical trade connections between the two countries. Continuing growth from these roots symbolises their love for each other and their children.”
The Revd Ian Houghton, Vicar of the Osmotherley and Hillside Parishes, said, “Jane was a much loved and respected local GP, and she often visited St Wilfrid’s as a place of quiet and refreshment. Jane was originally from Scotland, so it’s very fitting that we’ll be dedicating the window on Sunday 30th November – St Andrew’s day.”
“The window is a wonderful addition to the church, as well as being a fitting memorial to Jane. We hope that it will contribute to the atmosphere of tranquillity and beauty in the church and that it will draw more people to visit for rest, refreshment and prayer, just as Jane did.”