Journal of William Peckitt, glass-painter and stained glass maker

Manuscript journal of William Peckitt, glass painter and stained glass maker. Comprises closely written pages detailing the mixture of colours required for miniature painting and the correct mix for colouring various subjects, as well as notes on maths, science and language learning, 88pp.
William Peckitt wrote this journal aged fifteen, hence he lists the days of the week he has attended school, along with notes on mathematical problems 'if 8 labourours [sic] in 4 days earn 3:4, how much will…', physics and astronomy problems 'to explain the phenomena of the Harvest Moon'. However, most of the journal relates to his interest in colour, mixing colour, and how to paint.

William Peckitt was born at Husthwaite, near Easingwold in Yorkshire, in 1731. He moved to York to help in his father's glove making business but by 1752 he had set up his own glass painting studio at Colliergate.
As a glass painter, Peckitt enjoyed a considerable reputation during his own lifetime. His first recorded commission was for armorials for the deanery of York. Later work included the East Window of Lincoln Cathedral in 1764 and the west window of the chapel at New College Oxford in 1765. He was also involved in the repair and restoration of York Minster, which contains four windows painted by Peckitt in the South Transept. In 1780 he patented an invention for 'blending Coloured and Stained glass.'
He died at York on 14 October 1795.

Records are open to the public, subject to the overriding provisions of relevant legislation, including data protection laws. 24 hours' notice is required to access photographic material.

The journal was purchased with the support of the Friends of the University of York Library and Archives; the Noel G Terry Trust and the York Glaziers' Trust.

William Peckitt was born at Husthwaite, near Easingwold in Yorkshire, in 1731. He moved to York to help in his father's glove making business but by 1752 he had set up his own glass painting studio at Colliergate.
As a glass painter, Peckitt enjoyed a considerable reputation during his own lifetime. His first recorded commission was for armorials for the deanery of York. Later work included the East Window of Lincoln Cathedral in 1764 and the west window of the chapel at New College Oxford in 1765. He was also involved in the repair and restoration of York Minster, which contains four windows painted by Peckitt in the South Transept. In 1780 he patented an invention for 'blending Coloured and Stained glass.'
He died at York on 14 October 1795.

Created by S.A. Shearn, 11.03.21.

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The journal was sold at auction in August 2019 to a book dealer, then purchased by University of York Friends of Library and Archives; the Noel G. Terry Trust and the York Glaziers' Trust in October 2019.

Further accruals are not expected.

For related archives please see the archive of J.W. Knowles and Son which includes extensive research on Peckitt (KNOWLES/PECK)

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