The National Lottery Heritage Fund says ‘yes‘ to Ely Cathedral’s plans for vital conservation works on it’s stained glass windows.
Lottery Funding for Ely Cathedral’s ‘Through Cracks and Colour’ Stained Glass Project
Ely Cathedral has received initial support* from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the ‘Through Cracks and Colour’ project to conserve a number of historically significant stained glass windows, it has been announced.
Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to repair and conserve a number of Ely Cathedral’s clerestory level windows which not only are severely damaged but putting the ongoing preservation and maintenance of the building at risk.
Development funding of £95,752 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help Ely Cathedral progress their plans to apply for a further National Lottery grant of £599,284 to deliver the project.
Ely Cathedral’s celebrated clerestory windows are a defining feature of its majestic Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Spanning the upper walls of the Cathedral, the clerestory windows on the south side of the nave and choir were painstakingly filled with vibrant stained glass by Victorian craftsman, resulting in colourful light patterns reflecting on the interior stone walls. Without funding, these damaged windows would deteriorate further, risk breakage and permanent removal. In addition, the colourful workmanship and the stories they depict would be lost.
The project will include participation from volunteers and input from local schools through interpretation, training and design opportunities, as well as highlight the unique craftsmanship of stained glass and show how significance glass was in interpretation and storytelling.
Gemma O’Shea, Head of Fundraising at Ely Cathedral said:
“We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can now develop our plans to work towards conserving these remarkable Victorian stained-glass windows for future generations, while opening up new and inclusive ways for people to discover and connect with the Cathedral’s heritage. Working in partnership with The Stained Glass Museum, we are excited to expand access through engaging interpretation, hands-on learning, and volunteer opportunities.”
*Grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. ‘Through Cracks and Colour: Conserving the Clerestory Windows and Telling the Tales Held in Glass’ has initially been granted round one development funding of £95,752 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by the Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £599,284
Photos : James Billings, Amy D
