Home / Arts and Entertainment / Coventry Cathedral's 12,000 Rare Glass Pieces Now Online
Coventry Cathedral's 12,000 Rare Glass Pieces Now Online
10 Nov
Summary
- A collection of 12,000 rare medieval glass fragments is now viewable via a new app.
- The glass originates from Coventry Cathedral, destroyed during World War Two.
- The digitized collection is attributed to renowned 15th-century glazier John Thornton.
A remarkable collection of approximately 12,000 rare medieval glass fragments, thought to be the work of the esteemed 15th-century glazier John Thornton, has been made accessible through a new digital application. This significant assembly of religious stained glass originates from Coventry Cathedral, the sole UK cathedral lost during World War Two.
The fragments were recovered from the cathedral's original structure, which was devastated by German bombing in November 1940. After being stored for decades, the collection has now been digitized. This extensive archive, featuring pieces ranging from small shards to larger sections, allows viewers to explore scenes of the Passion of Christ and depictions of apostles and saints.
The digitization was undertaken in partnership with the World Monument Fund as part of Coventry Cathedral's ongoing Building Hope project. This initiative is dedicated to preserving the historic cathedral and its treasures for the future. The free app, accessible via Bloomberg Connects, offers an unprecedented glimpse into 15th-century life and artistry, with plans for a future visitors' center to display the collection physically.
