The windows were removed for safekeeping in 1939 courtesy of Birmingham Civic Society, and placed in a slate mine in Wales for safekeeping. It is now the duty of this generation to ensure they are preserved and recognised for the future.
Initial funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund enabled a detailed investigation of the condition of the windows to take place. Unfortunately, this work uncovered significant damaged in a number of places, including portions of glazing that were missing or cracked. The next phase of the Divine Beauty project will see the restoration of the windows, and we have secured a further £641,200 in National Lottery Heritage funding to go towards this vital conservation, due to begin in 2023.
Work will take place to remove a substantial build up of debris and to repair areas of cracking, failed leading and paint loss. Visitors will be able to see this work as it happens from an accessible platform. The installation of new protective grilles will also be completed on all four windows.