UK first for York Minster as state of the art protective glazing is fitted into the Great East Window
A significant milestone in the restoration of York Minster’s Great East Window will be reached this week when conservators and glaziers of the York Glaziers Trust (YGT) begin the delicate task of returning glass to the restored tracery of the Great East Window.
The stained glass and its outer protection were carefully removed in the spring and summer of 2008 allowing the conservation of stone and glass to proceed. More than 600 years after the stained glass was designed and installed by master glazier John Thornton – the first panel of a newly manufactured protective glazing – essential to the long-term future of Thornton’s medieval masterpiece - will be installed this week.
The ventilated protective glazing system, made with an innovative UV-resistant glass manufactured by the world-famous Glasshϋtte Lamberts in Germany, will provide state-of-the-art environmental protection for the UK’s largest expanse of medieval stained glass. York Minster will be the first building in the UK to use this extraordinary new material.
Commenting on the milestone Sarah Brown, Director of the York Glazier’s Trust said:
“This is an important milestone in the story of the Great East Window. The protective glazing is manufactured using the most up-to-date glass technology available in the world. The protection offered by the new UV resistant glazing system could extend the life of the stained glass well into the next century and hopefully beyond - meaning that Thornton’s astonishing work will be available for many future generations of visitors to York Minster.”
The medieval panels of Thornton’s dramatic Apocalypse cycle will begin to return to the window in the summer of 2015.
The conservation of glass and stone, a collaboration between the York Glazier’s Trust and the Minster’s expert team of stone masons, carvers and conservators, has been part of York Minster Revealed - a five-year project generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and scheduled for completion by spring 2016. It is currently the largest restoration and conservation project of its kind in the UK and will transform York Minster as a visitor attraction whilst conserving its world-class stonework and stained glass for generations to come.
About York Minster Revealed
The York Minster Revealed project is a five-year project scheduled for completion in spring 2016. It is currently the largest restoration and conservation project of its kind in the UK. The cost of the whole York Minster Revealed Project is £20 million, of which £10.5m has been generously supported with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The remainder of the fund has been raised by York Minster.
State-of-the-art multi-media galleries, new displays of historic collections and interactive interpretation now create new learning opportunities for all ages. In addition, improved access to the South Transept, Undercroft, Treasury and Crypt has totally transformed the experience of visiting York Minster.
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 36,000 projects with more than £6bn across the UK. www.hlf.org.uk. For more information, please
contact Katie Owen, HLF press office, on tel: 020 7591 6036/07973 613820.
About Glasshϋtte Lamberts
“Glashütte Lamberts stands in the tradition of more than 1500 years of manufacturing mouthblown window-glass known as LambertsGlas restauro®. The factory is committed to uphold the ancient knowledge of handmade sheet-glass for the restoration and conservation of monuments and to provide the appropriate material for glass artists now and in the future. Glashütte Lamberts is located in Waldsassen, Bavaria (Germany). http://www.lamberts.de”
For more information please contact:
Sharon Atkinson
Director of Communications
York Minster
Tel: 01904 557248
Email: sharona@yorkminster.org
