JESSE WINDOW


Wells Cathedral is a treasure trove of unique, priceless medieval art and architecture, but one of its most dazzling gems is the Jesse Window. Medievalists and heritage experts agree the Window is one of the most splendid examples of 14th century stained glass in the country. The Window dates from about 1340 and is still remarkably intact. Medieval craftsmen used silver stain and yellow, red and green glass to striking effect to show a tree of Jesus Christ’s genealogy, the tree of Jesse.

There has been growing concern over the last few years that the Window may deteriorate and be beyond repair unless urgent conservation work is carried out. Recent inspections have shown that some of the lead is bowing and needs attention and that some of the leaded panels of glass are bulging and loose, especially in the lower sections of the lancet lights. More significantly the medieval glass is suffering the effects of condensation and consequent mould growth. This in turn is attacking the painted layers on the glass.

The Cathedral has sought the advice and assistance of a team of the best medieval glass experts in the country as well as the eminent German consultant conservator, Dr Ivo Rauch, to inspect the Window and advise on the best course of action to conserve it. A programme of monitoring, testing and analysis has been undertaken over a two-year period to assess environmental conditions inside and outside the Window. The conservation scheme proposed would be undertaken in a number of phases. The first phase involves providing a protective barrier of isothermal glazing fitted about 75mm outside the plane of the exterior medieval window. The cavity so formed will be ventilated to the interior of the Cathedral. The protective glazing will be designed so that it can be mounted in removable panels to facilitate future maintenance and the periodic necessity of cleaning the cavity between the new and old glass.

This approach means that the conservation of the medieval glass can then be undertaken in three further phases over 3 years with minimum intervention. This whole process, including the consultations that have taken place and the trial on glass surface conditions, has been carried out in conjunction with the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England with a number of site visits by Commission members. Applications to carry out the necessary work have been made to the CFCE and approval given.

The costs include £50,000 for the preliminary inspections and tests; £229,000 to carry out Phase 1; and £68,000 for each of Phases 2, 3 and 4. This totals £483,000. So far the Jesse Window Conservation Project has been funded to £140,000 by generous grants from the Friends of Wells Cathedral, a private donor, the Chapter, the David Hayward Foundation and the Mulberry Trust. The Jesse Window Conservation Appeal has been mounted to raise the remaining £343,000 urgently needed.

For further information or to make a donation please contact the Cathedral Administrator, Prebendary John Roberts, at Wells Cathedral, Chain Gate, Cathedral Green, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2UE; Tel: 01749 674483; e-mail: administrator@wellscathedral.uk.net.