The church of Our Lady of Fatima in Harlow, Essex holds a special place in the hearts of electronic dance music fans. Familiar to many as the cover image of the Chemical Brothers’ 1998 album, Brothers Gonna Work It Out, this modernist building has recently received a Grade II* listing from the government. Historic England deemed it necessary to protect the church’s historical and architectural significance.
It’s important to note that the album cover was not a factor in the decision to upgrade the church’s protected status. Instead, the innovative design of the church played a significant role. With its unique “in-the-round” layout and a freestanding altar in the center, visible to all 500 seats, it offers a truly immersive worship experience. Additionally, the church is bathed in vibrant, colorful light thanks to its stunning stained glass windows.
Clare Price of the C20 Society describes the effect of entering the church as uplifting, resembling a shifting kaleidoscope of colors that would astonish any worshipper. The church’s interior, known for its jewel-like appearance, has maintained its impact since its completion in 1960. Designed by British architect Gerard Goalen, Our Lady of Fatima was his first ecclesiastical project, and four of his churches are now listed.
Goalen’s design was influenced by the Liturgical Movement which aimed to encourage active participation from the congregation. Five years after his design was delivered, the church was built in Harlow town center.
The church’s spectacular stained glass windows, covering about 60% of the wall surfaces, were created using a technique called dalle de verre. This technique, developed in France in the 1930s, involves using thick chunks of glass to intensify the colors when illuminated. The windows at Our Lady of Fatima depict the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, the Tree of Jesse, and the Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima in 1917. They were created by Dom Charles Norris, a Benedictine monk from Buckfast Abbey who was one of the most influential glass artists of the 20th century.
Historic England’s chief executive, Duncan Wilson, praises the church for its contemporary design, striking spire, and beautiful glass panels. He notes that it has served as an inspiration in modern church design and is cherished by the local community.
The bishop of Brentwood, Alan Williams, describes the Harlow church as one of the first of its kind, unique for its stained glass. For fans of the Chemical Brothers, it’s worth mentioning that the duo formed in 1989 under the name Dust Brothers before changing it to the Chemical Brothers. They have achieved great success with six No. 1 albums, 12 Top 20 singles, and six Grammy awards. One of their notable performances was on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury in 2000, which attracted a massive crowd.
Now in their early 50s, Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons are eagerly preparing for the release of their new album in September and have plans to DJ in Ibiza in October.
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