23/01/2009

Issued by: York Minster 

York Glaziers' Trust (YGT) are now preparing to work on the Great East Window as part of the ‘York Minster Revealed' project which is supported by a £10 million earmarked Heritage Lottery Fund grant. In preparation for this work, anticipated to last at least five years, the YGT has created a new studio in Bedern Chapel through their own Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £390, 000.

YGT was founded out of the Minster's post-war glaziers' shop to care for York Minster's exquisite stained glass and other historically important stained glass in Britain. It has been fulfilling this purpose for over 40 years and is acclaimed as one of Europe's leading centers of conservation excellence and training. YGT has recently completed the conservation of the Minster's outstanding St. William window.

York has more medieval stained glass than any other city in the UK, with the Minster as the jewel in the crown. With 128 medieval windows, the Minster has more glass than any other single British building. The Great East Window is the single largest medieval stained glass window in the country and has been called the stained glass equivalent of the Sistine Chapel.

Bedern Chapel was built in the 13^th Century and was the former chapel of the college of the Vicars Choral. It will now serve as a publicly-accessible showcase for stained glass conservation in general and the conservation of the Great East Window in particular. For the first time members of the public will be able to go ‘behind the scenes' to witness the work of YGT conservators.

Bedern Chapel Tours will begin on Friday 13^th February at 14.00 departing from the Group Desk in the Minster and thereafter will continue weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays. Tours can be booked in advance for specific times on these days by calling Howard Mosley, Visitors Department, 01904 557216.  There will also be guided tours available at 14.00 every Wednesday and Friday from the Group Desk in the Minster for those not wishing to book in advance. Please note that Tours have a maximum of 15 people so spaces are limited.

Tours last for approximately 1 hour and cost £7.50 per person. The YGT is a non-profit making studio and all ticket costs go towards the York Minster Fund

Notes to editors:

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage.  HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4billion across the UK.  Website: www.hlf.org.uk.

For further information contact Kendal Chalk on 01904 557248 or kendalc@yorkminster.org