Stepping through the…

Here at the Priory the concept of ‘stepping through’ items of furniture isn’t something out of the ordinary, given the Priory’s links with C.S. Lewis and the ‘Narnia wardrobe’ at the east end.

However, windows at the Priory are usually only admired - the amazing range of stained glass dating from 1430 to 2004 is a fabulous testimony to faith and craftmanship over the centuries drawing visitors from across the world.

Today was different. As the final touches were being added to the ‘Join the Christmas Story’ scenery, so the craftspeople from Jim Budd Stained Glass arrived to replace the Prince Albert Window in St Giles’ Chapel. Ascending the scaffolding inside and out, they carefully removed the temporary plastic, revealing the view that the Victorian craftsmen from Clayton and Bell might have had when the window was first installed in 1862.*

The delicately restored glass was carried into the building in a protective sandwich. The hundreds of shattered pieces have been carefully glued back in place and a protective strengthening layer placed behind them. Getting ready to put the panel back in place, the craftsperson stepped through the window opening to receive it. Lowering it skilfully between the stone mullions it looked almost as if it had never been damaged. Maybe just slightly cleaner and brighter than the surrounding panels.

Once the scaffolding has been removed, all will be ready for the setting up of the Christmas Tree Festival, which launches on 22nd November.

That this unexpected project has been completed so quickly and efficiently is testament to the generosity of donors and the dedication and skill of both the Priory’s Building and Grounds Committee and the craftspeople of Jim Budd Stained Glass.

Many thanks to donors - Church of England Church Buildings Council, Ecclesiastical Insurance, HMRC (VAT refund) and The Friends of Malvern Priory. The grant from the Church Buildings Council is provided with financial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust and The Radcliffe Trust.

*except for all the changes - new buildings, changes to the Theatres, trees which then were mere saplings are now mature…