New Documentary Unveils the Hidden Story of the West Rose Stained-Glass Masterpiece
A new documentary explores the story behind the West Rose, a stunning stained-glass window at Washington National Cathedral. Designed by Rowan LeCompte, the nearly 30-foot circular masterpiece depicts the four Ancient Greek elements. The film, titled The Creation Rose, is now available to stream until May 31.
Rowan LeCompte first began crafting windows for the cathedral in 1942, when he was just 16 years old. Over the next seven decades, he designed nearly 50 windows, but the West Rose became one of his most celebrated works. The intricate design, composed of over 10,500 individual pieces of glass, took two and a half years to complete.
The West Rose made its debut on Easter Day, April 18, 1976. Its grand scale and vivid depiction of earth, air, fire, and water have made it a defining feature of the cathedral. The documentary *The Creation Rose* delves into its creation, featuring interviews with the Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, stained-glass conservator Elody Crimi, and LeCompte’s family members. Directed by Peter Swanson, a parishioner at Christ Episcopal Church in Rochdale, Massachusetts, the film also incorporates an AI-generated voice to narrate LeCompte’s own writings. This technology brings the artist’s reflections to life, offering viewers a personal connection to his creative process.
The documentary is available for streaming through PBS.org and the PBS App until the end of May. It provides a detailed look at the artistry and dedication behind one of the cathedral’s most iconic features. Viewers can learn about LeCompte’s lifelong contribution to the landmark, spanning from his teenage years to his final works.
