The Studio
Stained Glass Conservation today has to follow ethical guidelines
that are completely different from those of the past. Priority is now given
to the historical material (glass, lead and ironwork), which is to be kept
as long as possible.
Furthermore, all methods employed should be reversible and all steps undertaken must be fully recorded for the benefit of future generations.
Based on the guidelines set by the Council for the Care of Churches and the international Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi, the Cathedral Studios at Canterbury strives to achieve best possible standards in conservation in four major steps:
1. The careful cleaning of the glass
2. The consolidation and stabilising of the glass, paint pigments and leadwork
3. The recording of all steps undertaken
4. The design and manufacture of a protective glazing for the historic windows
The methods to achieve this are as numerous as the problems which confront the conservator
For this reason each panel deserves a special
treatment. The provision of the necessary facilities, knowledge and expertise
is thus the raison
d'être of the Cathedral Studios.
In doing so, the studio has gained a high reputation in the field of conservation. Its team of eight highly trained conservators care not only for the glass of Canterbury Cathedral, but has also worked on the windows of other churches and cathedrals throughout the country, e.g. Lincoln Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral Oxford, Gloucester Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, St. Mary's Church Lydiard Tregoze, St. Michael's Church East Hampstead and St. Gwenllwyfo Church Llanwenllwyfo, to name but a few.
The studio shares its expertise with clients ranging from private collections to institutions like The National Trust and English Heritage
Contact Us
Tel: +44 (0) 1227 865266 Email: cathedralstudios@canterbury-cathedral.org