Stained Glass of York Minster

On a recent trip to York I took the time to visit York Minster. The English Gothic architecture is outstanding and the stained glass windows, some of which date back to the 12th century, are all exquisite. The Great East Window, which is currently undergoing extensive restoration by the York Glaziers Trust, is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.  At the moment, there is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the panels close up as they are removed, restored and put on display in The Orb, a 10 metre wide, 3 metre tall dome that has been installed directly below the Great East Window.  The stained glass panels are the product of unsung British artist, John Thornton. They are of such international importance that this collection is comparable with an exhibition of Rembrandt or Vermeer.

Here are photos of the incredible, restored panels I saw on display.

It’s incredible to think that these panels are over 700 years old.

This is the Five Sisters window (c. 1250) and one of the Minster’s most impressive sights; five slender lancets containing silvery grisaille glass.

The Five Sisters Window