Stations

The Stations of the Cross

A unique set of Stations of the Cross in a diocesan church are the work of three artists - a husband and wife and a Religious Sister.

Ken and Maureen Byerley and Sister Mary Lou Winters of the Daughters of St Paul painted the fifteen stunning stations for Holy Family Church, Langley, Slough, and presented them to the parish during Lent 2003.

"They are meant to provoke thought," said Ken. "Three different artists with vastly different approaches have done them. Each is a separate painting in which we have tried to convey the essence of the Station. Jesus does not always look the same, nor does the clothing or the scenery."
The Byerleys, from South Africa, have been Langley parishioners for 27years.

Maureen has taught art and painted, mainly in oils, for over 30 years.
"I have tried to show, not only what I imagine the scene was like," she said,"but also, through the use of shapes and colours, to represent abstract ideas. I would like my paintings to cause people to ask themselves questions."
Sr. Mary Lou is a graphic artist at Pauline Books and Media.
"I used a sacred text within each of my paintings," she said, "and a parallel image drawn from scripture to shed light on the Station. My hope is that each painting will open up prayerful contemplation of the mystery represented."
Ken has worked as an artist in the advertising industry for over 40 years.
"My paintings are simple, concentrating on a single figure," he said. "I can only hope that they stir some emotion in the observer."

Here is Ken's own personal message to the Holy Family parishioners that he issued on our web site last year.

" I’m Ken Byerley. My wife Maureen and I have come to Mass here for the past 27 years.
A while ago we met Mary Lou from the Daughters of Saint Paul and the three of us painted the eleven panels on the Choir loft featuring scenes from the life of the Holy Family.
We then thought it would be nice to do the Stations.
We discussed this with Canon Clarke, Kieran and various parishioners. Father Kevin arrived when we were about half way through and after discussions with the Parish Council they kindly allowed us to hang them.

They are unique to this Church and are meant to provoke thought. Three different artists with vastly different approaches have done them – Each is a separate painting in which we have tried to convey the essence of the Station. Jesus does not always look the same – nor does the clothing or the scenery.

We don’t want to offend anybody and realising that change can be disturbing, we ask you to please look on them kindly, keep an open mind and give them time to settle in. We think that they will all look well together and hope that they will be an aid to your devotions.
Please click on any on any of the images to give you a larger picture of that particular Station. I have added a few comments of my own to each photograph which I hope you will find of interest."
Ken Byerley.

Please Note: These photographs bear no resemblance to the quality of the original paintings.
Please click on any picture to see a larger image.