The notable stained glass window at Salisbury Cathedral is undergoing restoration, requiring its careful removal.
When it was first installed 145 years ago, the stained glass created by Sir Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris wasn’t warmly received, resulting in only one window being completed instead of a series. Renowned as a pre-Raphaelite gem today, the intricate task of delicately removing the window started last week. The process involved chiselling out the cement and detaching the copper ties before lifting out the window in large sections, each measuring 6ft by 4ft, despite the fragile and heavy nature of the stained glass.
Head glazier Sam Kelly mentions that these windows, although appearing strong, are quite delicate and a significant weight, around 88 pounds per section, stressing the sense of relief upon safely transporting them to the workshop.
Kelly explains the wear the window has suffered from the elements, including damage from condensation driven by old cathedral heaters, now replaced, and water entering the structure. The angels’ painted details on their faces and robes have dimmed, and dirt has masked the colours and designs.
From their workshop within the cathedral, Kelly and the team are set to spend nearly two years cleaning the glass, adding new painted details similar to Burne-Jones’s original sketches, and installing protective backings and oak frames to better preserve the window going forward.
The task of refurbishing Burne-Jones’s impressive angel figures, which he initially sold for £80, is projected to cost £120,000. Thanks to contributions from The Dulverton Trust and others, half of the funds have already been gathered, and the cathedral encourages further donations through its website.