In 1976, Brian Clarke was commissioned to design two large roundels for the circular west windows of Derby Cathedral, founded in the 10th century and largely rebuilt by Georgian architect James Gibbs between 1723 and 1725. Clarke developed designs that balanced his artistic vision with sensitivity to the architectural context. They were inspired by his observation of the deteriorating stonework around Gibbs’s original windows and featured a geometric pattern adapted from the voussoirs, subtly disrupted by lead lines.

Although the designs received general approval from the Cathedrals Advisory Committee, the commission was not realised following the Committee’s requested alterations to the colour scheme.