MP for South-East Cambridgeshire Lucy Frazer has visited The Stained Glass Museum in Ely to highlight the importance of the critically endangered craft of stained glass.
In May this year, traditional stained glass making was put on the Heritage Crafts’ Red List of critically endangered crafts.
Over the last few decades, there has been a significant decline in dedicated courses for traditional stained glass making at universities and art colleges, alongside the closure of many established studios.
Although the traditional skills needed to make stained glass windows are still very much alive, there are fewer training and employment opportunities for stained glass artists in the sector.
As the industry has declined so has the production of raw materials needed for making stained glass windows, and mouthblown flat coloured sheet glass is now no longer made in the UK.
On Friday, August 4, the Rt Hon Lucy Frazer visited museum in Ely, on invitation of the museum director Jasmine Allen to learn more about this unique art form.
While there, she even had a go at painting on glass with professional stained glass artist Derek Hunt.
Ms Frazer, who is the Culture Secretary, said: “The Stained Glass Museum is a national museum which offers a beautiful collection of intricate art and opportunities for visitors to get involved.
Friday’s Family Fun Day really epitomised this, with behind-the-scenes tours, painting and other crafts all on offer.
A big 'thank you' to the curator, Jasmine Allen, for inviting me and for all her ongoing work”.
Artist Derek Hunt, who runs his own stained glass studio in Leicestershire and teaches glass painting workshops at the museum, said: “Providing the opportunities for the next generation to learn how to make stained glass is key to its survival in the modern age.
"Investment in these opportunities is vital and much-needed.”
Director of the museum, Jasmine Allen said: “The news that stained glass is now officially classed as a ‘critically endangered’ craft and the reduced opportunities for artists to study stained glass within educational settings highlights the importance of The Stained Glass Museum – as a place of inspiration and learning.
"Our mission is to share with everyone the cultural and artistic importance of stained glass.
"Our permanent gallery shines a light on a national heritage – from the 13th Century to thw present day.
"The power and beauty of this illuminating art form is timeless, but sadly commissions for stained glass windows traditional techniques are few and far between today, and the art is little understood.
"It’s our job to demonstrate the relevance of the medium to visitors today, through our diverse and growing collection, and learning and engagement programmes.”
It's not all bad news though, and the recent announcement that a new dedicated apprenticeship for stained glass craftspeople will soon be delivered by the Swansea Glass School (University of Wales Trinity St David), with end point assessment provided by ICON is welcomed.
About The Stained Glass Museum in Ely
The museum is the only museum dedicated to stained glass in the UK. It is open to the public five days a week throughout the year.
The main gallery is located in the triforium of Ely Cathedral and houses an exhibition of more than 125 stained glass panels from a growing collection.
A chronological display of stained glass, spanning from the 13th Century to the present day, from the museum’s own collection with a handful of loans from partner organisations including the V&A and the Royal Collection, gives a unique insight into the fascinating history of stained glass, an art-form that has been practised in Britain for at least 1,300 years.
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