Watch the Divine Beauty documentary

A special film documenting the extensive conservation of our four beautiful stained-glass windows, is now available for all to enjoy.

The short documentary provides insight into the work of expert conservators from Holy Well Glass, who completed the meticulous work of cleaning and repairing the glass. The film also features Victoria Osborne – Curator of Fine Art at Birmingham Museums Trust, talking about the significance of the windows within the Pre-Raphaelite art movement. Producers also followed cathedral staff and volunteers, playing key role in public engagement activities during the project.

The film was first shown in the cathedral on Sunday 21 April, following a special service of Choral Evensong, giving thanks for the Divine Beauty Project. The service was attended by the project’s funders, supporters, cathedral community and the Bishop of Birmingham – who blessed and rededicated the windows.

Speaking at the service, The Dean of Birmingham, The Very Reverend Matt Thompson, said: “We give thanks for the careful, painstaking work of conservation, years in planning and months in expert execution, which now enables us to see afresh the genius of Edward Burne-Jones and the expert craftsmanship of the William Morris Company, in a way that will delight and excite visitors and worshippers for years to come.”

“We have been blessed by a succession of key supporters, expert advisors, valued contractors, generous funders, dedicated volunteers, members of staff and the enduring support of our cathedral community.”

In reference to the windows, he added: “They are the most wonderful surprise for those who venture within these walls – to warm up on a cold day or for five minutes peace at the end of a stressful day, or in moments of joy or great sorrow – and then encounter them for the first time. We are well-versed in sharing our windows – or so we thought. One of the many gifts of the Divine Beauty Project has been learning so many new ways in which to share them with a wide variety of new audiences.”

The documentary was commissioned by History West Midlands and produced by Simon Russell at IDM Media.

The Divine Beauty Project was generously supported by National Lottery players, via The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Watch the film

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