Coat of Arms of Saint-Lézer

I was honoured to be approached by our local mayor to create a custom stained glass piece in recognition of the pilgrims who pass through Saint-Lézer on their journey to Santiago de Compostela.

The design is built around three symbolic elements:

• The French flag forms the backdrop with its striking blue, white, and red—signifying national pride and the warm hospitality extended to all who pass through.

• The scallop shell, universally recognised as the emblem of the Camino de Santiago, signposts the sacred path travelled by countless pilgrims over the centuries.

• The coat of arms of Saint-Lézer sits at the heart of the design, connecting the piece to local heritage and community.

This creation is deeply personal to me. My wife and I cycled 1,200 kilometres of the Camino de Santiago in just 13 days—an experience that pushed us mentally, physically, and spiritually. That journey became the inspiration behind this piece.

Technique: 

Traditional lead came and colored glass, with 3D decorative jewelry integrated into the coat of arms.

Dimensions:

90 × 90 cm, designed as a hanging piece.

Glass Types:

A mix of plain and textured stained glass to maximize light play, with fleckled elements that scatter sunlight across the stone walls.

Color Palette:

Bold reds, whites, and blues form the French national flag, complemented by warm golds and soft neutrals to highlight the scallop shell and insignia.

Special Features:

Built in three symbolic layers—the French flag as the foundation, the scallop shell representing centuries of pilgrims, and the coat of arms of Saint-Lézer adorned with jewelry details.

Location:

Hung in the 14th-century Priory of Saint-Lézer. As the sun sets, the piece casts radiant light across the ancient walls linking the building's medieval past with present-day travellers.