York Glaziers Trust is the oldest and largest specialist
stained glass conservation studio in Britain.
YGT is a charitable trust dedicated to the care and
conservation of historic stained glass in York Minster
and throughout the UK. Discover more
York Minster featured in upcoming BBC4 documentary
07 October 2011
The secrets of the famous Great East Window at York Minster, the largest medieval stained-glass window in the country, will be revealed during a 60-minute documentary on BBC4 Wednesday, 12 October at 9.00pm.
Britain's Most Fragile Treasure sees historian Dr Janina Ramirez unlock the secrets of a centuries-old masterpiece in glass. At 78 feet in height, the Great East Window at York Minster, often referred to as England's Sistine Chapel, is the largest medieval stained-glass window in the country, and it was the creative vision of a single craftsman, John Thornton, the foremost stained-glass artist of his time.
The scale of John Thornton's achievement is revealed as Dr Ramirez follows the work of the conservation team at York Glaziers Trust, who are restoring the Great East Window to its original glory. The programme promises a unique opportunity to examine John Thornton's greatest work at close quarters, and to reveal exactly how medieval artists made images of such complexity using the simplest of tools.
The programme also coincides with ongoing conservation and restoration of 'York Minster Revealed', a five-year project designed to repair and conserve both the window and stonework of York Minster' East Front, while at the same time enhancing the visitor experience and securing the building for future generations and revealing the full glory of one of the country's most important works of art.
With the generous support of a £10m Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, York Minster will expand training in the specialist craft skills of stone-masonry and stained glass conservation. Through interpretation, improved access, and conservation it will reveal to a wider audience a better understanding of the architectural jewel that is York Minster and its place within the history of the last two thousand years.
The series is part of 'Handmade in Britain', a year-long season offered by BBC and the V&A exploring the history of British decorative arts.
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For further information, contact Lisa Sinclair: 0844 939 0014 ext. 2480, 07843 339979
YGT Services
For more details about York Glaziers Trust services, click here
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