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Coventry Cathedral's John Hutton glass screen damaged at music event
2 Jul
Summary
- A hand-engraved glass screen by John Hutton was cracked during event setup.
- The damage occurred due to an accidental ladder knock during concert preparations.
- Restoration of the damaged panel is anticipated by the end of the year.
A revered hand-engraved glass screen by artist John Hutton at Coventry Cathedral has been damaged. The incident occurred during the setup for a Tim Burton-themed music event hosted by the Illuminated Orchestra on May 22. Deep cracks appeared in the west screen, a masterpiece etched by Hutton between the early 1950s and 1962.
The damage was attributed to an accidental ladder knock against the screen during lighting setup. While setting up for the concert, a gust of wind reportedly caused the ladder to hit the glass. Cathedral staff promptly covered the damaged panel after the incident.
This screen, part of the cathedral's Great West Screen, features 66 saints and angels engraved directly into individual glass panes. The cathedral confirmed the unfortunate accident, noting it was distressing for all involved. It is anticipated that the damaged panel will be restored by the end of this year.
Coventry Cathedral, a significant example of modern British architecture, emphasizes its commitment to artistic excellence and hosting diverse events. Despite this incident, other scheduled events, including concerts and a fashion show, are proceeding as planned. This is not the first time the cathedral's artwork has faced damage; an angel screen was smashed during a burglary in January 2020.
