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Pre-Raphaelite Salisbury Cathedral stained glass window to be restored

Rachel Candlin & Karen GardnerBBC News, West of England
News imageFinnbarr Webster Glass conservators take an initial look at the stained glass figures in the cathedral workshopFinnbarr Webster
Glass conservators have taken an initial look at the stained glass figures in the cathedral workshop

Work has begun on a project to restore a stained glass window in Salisbury Cathedral to its original beauty.

Glaziers have completed the painstaking task of removing the artwork from the South Quire Aisle, with the restoration due to be complete in two years.

The 145-year-old window was designed by William Morris and Pre-Raphaelite artist Sir Edward Burne-Jones.

"Despite their appearance, stained glass sections of this size can be fragile," said head glazier Sam Kelly.

News imageFinnbarr Webster The glazing team removing the fragile sections of stained glassFinnbarr Webster
The glazing team painstakingly removed the fragile sections of stained glass from the South Quire Aisle

"They are also incredibly heavy, around 40kg (88lbs), so moving each section down off the scaffolding is physically difficult.

"It is always a relief to get them into the workshop," he added.

As well as cleaning the stained glass and repairing the leadwork, the glaziers will create painted and fired backing glass to replace lost detail, which will then be plated with the original glass sections.

This technique will allow the strong linework which is characteristic of Burne-Jones' glasswork to be reinstated, returning the window to its original appearance without interfering with the original artwork.

News imageFinnbarr Webster A section of Angeli Ministrantes being lifted down from the scaffoldFinnbarr Webster
A section of Angeli Ministrantes was lifted down from the scaffold by specialist glaziers

Mr Kelly said: "Once we get the window onto the lightboxes in the workshop, we will be able to see the extent of the deterioration and what conservation is required.

"Exposure to the elements, especially condensation caused by ancient heaters, has taken its toll.

"Painted details, especially on the faces and robes of the angels have faded over time and the colours and patterns have been dulled by layers of accumulated dirt."

The window features two figurative designs, the Angeli Ministrantes and Angeli Laudanteswas by Burne-Jones, and an elaborate acanthus leaf design by Morris.

News imageFinnbarr Webster A close up of one of the heads of the Angeli MinistrantesFinnbarr Webster
The stained glass needs work to restore its original detail

It was commissioned by Barbara Townsend, a former resident of Mompesson House in Cathedral Close in memory of her brother, Captain George Townsend, who died in 1875. The window was unveiled four years after his death.

The restoration will cost an estimated £120,000, funded by trusts and individuals.

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