Conservation in Cumbria

Stained Glass by William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones, made by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and Co. in 1871.

Algae previously present on the surface of the window
Extensive paint-loss, particularly disfiguring on faces, hands feet and musical instruments
The central lancet after conservation in a manganese bronze frame, with (reversible) enhancement plates to faces hands and feet
Environmental protection introduced to mitigate the condensation on the internal surface. Stone repairs also undertaken by a local stonemason
A second layer of glazing to the exterior will become the weather barrier and heavy condensation will be removed to the outside via a new lead cill
The window restored to the church, looking much the same, but cleaner, more stable, and more easily enjoyed by the local congregation and visitors

This conservation project was funded by local fundraising in the Parish, online via JustGiving, and grants from the Jane and William Morris Fund and Church Care.

Following a condition report in 2018, conservation took place in 2019-2020. The window, which was badly affected by paint-loss and environmental problems, was removed, cleaned and consolidated, with the addition of some enhancement plates to key areas of disfigurement: faces, hands, feet and the instruments held by the minstrel angels.

It was reinstalled with protective glazing to the exterior, the original glass now framed in bronze and inset a few centimetres forward to give adequate ventilation. Lead cills will carry excessive condensation to the exterior, rather than it forming on the interior, fragile painted surface.

Article in the News and Star, Oct 2020

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