The Annunciation window by C. E. Kempe & Co., England, 1915; center light of three lights

The Holy Spirit, always shown in art as a dove, descends on the Virgin Mary, represented by lilies in an urn. Lilies are a symbol of purity and are often associated with the Virgin Mary. Around the urn flows a banner with the Latin inscription "Ecce ancilla Domini," which translates as "Behold the servent of the Lord."

As was the style in the nineteenth century, subjects in stained glass windows were often put into gothic-architecture niches or under canopies. Around the niche in this panel are leaf designs, and a border inspired by medieval manuscript decoration surrounds the entire scene but is obscured by the thick metal framing on this window which allows the window to open. The two side lights show the border all the way around.

This window was designed by John Lisle, then one of the directors of C. E. Kempe & Co. He had been Kempe's chief designer during the founder's lifetime.

Charles Eamer Kempe got started in his field by being a painter of walls, ceilings and woodwork of churches in the 1860's. The style then in vogue reflected a resurgence of interest in gothic style and a return to high church practices. Kempe's training served him well when he started his own stained glass company in 1868.

Kempe perfected the use of silver stain on white (clear) glass, which leaves a yellow tint. Depending on the amount of stain used, the shade of yellow could be delicate or deep.