stained glass centre
London
The Stained Glass Centre was established in 2008 by the recently-formed Stained
Glass Trust, with the aim of providing an educational centre to encourage the
study and appreciation of stained glass, as well as breathing life back into St
Martin-cum-Gregory. This beautifully evocative Grade I listed building, which
dates back to before the 11th century, is home to a rich range of historic
glass, including some of the earliest logos to be seen in stained glass and
memorials to celebrated glass-painters. Set in the city of York, home to much of
Britain’s surviving ancient glass and a focus for craft and creativity in the
modern day practice of stained glass making, The Stained Glass Centre provides a
unique point of interpretation for the city, with demonstrations, workshops,
guided tours and lectures. The Stained Glass Centre is developing as a national
resource for the discovery and interpretation of stained glass. The building has
long been a destination for those interested in this fragile medium. As the
Stained Glass Centre, it is transforming into a venue in which residents,
students and visitors can explore, participate in and learn more about one of
the most beguiling of crafts, one that continues to be central to the heritage,
culture and economy of the city of York. Now that the future of the building has
been secured for public use, a programme of events is bringing people and new
life back into the building. Founding Aims The Stained Glass Centre was
established with five long-term aims for its future role The Stained Glass
Centre will be a national resource for the discovery and interpretation of
stained glass. Visitors will be able to participate in, and learn about,
craft-skills, arts and industries that continue to play a vital role in the life
of the city and region. Practitioners from all over the UK will have a national
centre of excellence for the study and development of their craft. People of all
ages will have the opportunity to learn about the historic importance of this
beautiful art form as well as helping it to develop and flourish for the 21st
century. The creation of the Stained Glass Centre in the former church of St
Martin-cum-Gregory will give new life to one of York’s most beautiful ‘lost’
buildings. Regeneration The establishment of the Stained Glass Centre within the
former church of St Martin-cum-Gregory aims to give stunning new life to a
magnificent building, with the exciting opportunity for regular public access to
one of York’s most beautiful ‘lost’ buildings, and to see, and have interpreted,
its lovely fittings and glass. Through the Centre, residents of central York can
reclaim aspects of their own local history, participate in, and learn about,
craft-skills, arts and industries which continue to play a vital role in the
life of the city and region. The Stained Glass Centre also plays a key role in
the re-awakening of Micklegate, which once was, and could be again, York’s most
important and elegant street. The Centre works closely with the Micklegate
Quarter, hosting and participating in events for the local community.
