Sir Arthur’s first academic role, on graduating from Lincoln College, Oxford, was as Professor of Chemistry at the Cirencester Royal Agricultural College (now the Royal Agricultural University) from 1873 to 1879. His research into the chemistry of paint colour, media and varnishes led to important connections with local artisans including William Morris, at nearby Kelmscott Manor. In 1869 he gave a course of public lectures at Cirencester Corn Hall on ‘Art in Common Life’.
When Church decided to mark his sixteen years as Professor at the College by donating a stained glass window, he turned to Morris & Co. The resulting Signs of the Zodiac window in the College chapel was designed by Philip Webb and centres around a ‘Flaming Star’, a favourite Webb motif. Church was evidently not happy with the triangular window later inserted above it and there is now a large memorial window below it.
Church also donated a stone screen, between the chapel entrance and the chapel itself, illustrating agriculturally important plant types. This was designed by Church himself and has been beautifully maintained.
