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The
stained glass collection in the Abbey Museum numbers
some 50 panels that together form the most significant
collection of stained glass in Australia. These include
medieval, Renaissance and Baroque glass, and Neo-gothic
English Victorian and Edwardian glass. It parallels the
rise, fall and the revival of the European stained glass
tradition over almost a thousand years.
The
collections contain items that are historically
significant to European and English history. Other
panels have historical associations with famous English
noble houses; the Napoleonic wars and the now destroyed
Charterhouse of St Barbara, Cologne, Germany. Of special
note are the famous Winchester Cathedral panels,
representing several major pieces that have historical
associations with this important medieval cathedral; the
foundations of modern English monarchy and the English
Civil War.
Stained glass is renowned for its aesthetic and artistic
qualities. There are several panels among the Abbey
Museum’s collection that are outstanding examples of the
richness and vibrant colours used in the medieval
palette, as well as examples of the influence of famous
Renaissance and Baroque artists, including Albrecht
Durer, Hieronymus Bosch, Hugo van der Goes and Geetjan
tot Sint Just.
Many
of the windows are extremely valuable and rare; the
Museum contains more medieval stained glass from
Winchester Cathedral than the present cathedral does.
Our collection therefore represents the largest number
of surviving examples of a spectacular and impressive
body of medieval art now largely destroyed.
While
many items are fragmentary or require conservation, they
are still considered to be in remarkably good condition
compared to other examples in Europe that have suffered
extensively from acid pollution and other damage.
Overall, this collection contains numerous
internationally significant items that establish it as
the most significant and prestigious collection of its
type in
Australia.
THE CURRENT
CONDITION OF THE COLLECTION
Many
of the windows are in dire need of urgent conservation.
Of particular concern is the great “Michael the
Archangel” window in the west end of the Abbey Church.
Tension cracks appearing in the figure may possibly be
as a result of long term subsidence in the building as
well as inadequate reinforcing when installed.
The
Winchester Cathedral glass is also badly in need of
repair. The priceless fragments of medieval glass were
poorly leaded in England. This, combined with natural
fatiguing of lead with age, is causing the windows to
buckle alarmingly, to the point of breaking the five
hundred year old glass itself.
The Museum has enlisted the help of one of Australia’s
leading stained glass conservation laboratories, Gerry
Cummins and Jill Steyn Pty Ltd, of Eumundi, to begin a
program of conservation of the collection. Through a
generous grant from the Ian Potter Foundation, a
detailed conservation report was completed in 2005. Now
it is just a matter of raising funds. One way you could
help is by sponsoring a window. The cost of conservation
of the stained glass panels range from a few hundred
dollars to several thousand dollars.
How can you
help?
If
you would like to donate towards the conservation of one
of these historic panels please contact the Abbey Museum
for a detailed booklet. Ph 54951652 or email admin@abbeumuseum.asn.au.
In
appreciation of sponsorship.....
Apart
from the knowledge that you have helped to preserve an
important piece of history. . .
 •
Donations over $2 are tax-deductible
• You will receive a colour photograph of the panel
before and after conservation
• A detailed citation of the panel and its history
• The opportunity to visit the conservation studio, view
the work being undertaken on your sponsored panel, and
be photographed with the panel and the conservators.
• Sponsors will be permanently acknowledged on a plaque
in the Abbey Church recording your support and donation.
The Museum documents the history and sponsorship of
every item and preserves it in its archives.
Thank you for your help.
EMAIL MUSEUM FOR SPONSORSHIP BOOKLET
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