Last chance to view medieval masterpieces in The Orb at York Minster
FIVE new medieval masterpieces have been unveiled in York Minster’s Orb, offering visitors the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see stained glass from the Great East Window at close range for the final time.
The five stained glass panels are currently on display in the Orb attraction, which will permanently close at the end of May so York Glaziers Trust can start the epic task of returning the restored glass to the window, starting with 90 panels from the Apocalypse cycle.
Since opening in York Minster’s East End in October 2012, more than 1.4 million visitors have had the chance to view more than 30 different pieces of restored stained glass from the window – the largest single expanse of medieval glass in the country.
All five panels in the Orb have been changed for the final exhibition, with the new display taken from the window’s base which tells the story of York’s history and the important part York Minster played in the evangelization of the north.
“The panels include some of the finest glass painting in the whole window,” comments Sarah Brown, Director at York Glaziers Trust. “Displaying the panels in the Orb allows people a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to examine the glass, which is one of the great artistic achievements of the Middle Ages, at close range. Images of the originals and explanations of the sometimes difficult decisions we’ve taken during the conservation and restoration process are included alongside the restored pieces.”
The five panels show Bishop Walter Skirlaw of Durham, who donated the money to fund the window’s creation, alongside legendary and historic figures including King Lucius, founder of the first church in York, and King Edward III, married in the Minster in 1328.
“The Orb and exhibitions in the Minster’s East End were created to give visitors a detailed insight into the intricate work taking place behind the scaffolding to conserve the 600 year old Great East Window for future generations,” explained Rebecca Thompson, Superintendent of Works at York Minster. “Being able to see and understand the work carried out by York Minster’s stone masons and carvers and York Glaziers Trust at such close range has proved extremely popular with visitors and helped us to showcase the great skill and traditional craftsmanship used to maintain this iconic building.”
The glass was removed from the Great East Window in 2008 to allow conservation work to start on master glazier John Thornton’s medieval masterpiece. The work has been a collaboration between York Glaziers Trust and York Minster as part of York Minster Revealed – a five year project generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and scheduled for completion in spring 2016.
The Orb will permanently close on 31 May 2015.
For more information visit www.yorkminster.org
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For further details contact:
Sharon Atkinson – Director of Communications – t: 01904 557248 m: 07785 615457
Leanne Woodhurst – Communications Manager – t: 01904 559534 m: 07824 017585
