Divine Light – the Stained Glass of England’s Cathedrals

The stained glass of England’s cathedrals is the focus of a new book that explores the artistic beauty of stained glass.

Divine Light, Janet Gough – the stained glass of England’s Cathedrals book launch

Divine Light is the latest volume by Janet Gough, OBE, author, lecturer and advisor on historic churches and cathedrals, and will be launched at a talk by Janet at the Victoria and Albert Museum online and in person on the evening of 2 October. Scroll down for links to book.

Janet, formerly Secretary of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, said,

‘This is an ancient artform, first seen in Egypt and Mesopotamia, but it is the West that develops its use in windows.

The refraction of light through coloured glass was both an early form of storytelling for largely illiterate audiences and, as 12th‑century Abbot Suger articulated, the light as it entered a church through stained glass became divine light, symbolising God’s presence on Earth. 

As such a potent contemplative, liturgical, communication and decorative tool, stained glass has remained central to cathedral life for more than nine centuries. 

Together, these windows form one of England’s greatest art collections, spread across its cathedrals. This book includes at least one example from every cathedral.”

Starting with Canterbury Cathedral’s windows after Thomas Becket’s murder in 1170, the book traces glass from the Middle Ages to modern times, including the Reformation, the hugely productive nineteenth century, the Pre-Raphaelites, the Arts and Crafts Movement concluding with the innovative and thought-provoking glass still being commissioned by cathedrals today.

Divine Light will be officially launched with a talk at the V&A at 7pm on Thursday 2 October when Janet will put cathedral stained glass in an art historical as well as its ecclesiastical context.

Book tickets to attend the launch here.

Or to watch the launch online, click here.

Divine Light, the Stained Glass of England’s Cathedrals can be bought here.