THE COLLECTION

The Stained Glass Museum is the only museum dedicated to the art of stained glass in the UK. It offers a unique insight into the fascinating history of stained glass, an art-form that has been practised in Britain for at least thirteen hundred years.

Our permanent gallery displays over 125 stained glass panels representing eight hundred years of the history of this ancient art, from the thirteenth century to the present day.

All the stained glass panels in the gallery are displayed at eye-level enabling visitors to have a rare close-encounter with the art of stained glass. Temporary exhibitions are also held throughout the year, highlighting panels and designs from the Museum's reserve collection.

Our collections are now available to search in full online!
Collections Search

Stained Glass and Glass Fragments

The Stained Glass Museum's Collection includes over 1,000 stained glass panels from both religious and secular buildings, from all parts of the British Isles. In addition to the many completed stained glass panels and windows, the Museum has a number of smaller trial-pieces of stained and painted glass, fragments and samples of glass material, many of which derived from artists' studios.

Preparatory Designs, Cartoons, Maquettes

The Museum has a small but significant collection of preparatory designs, cartoons and maquettes relating to nineteenth- and twentieth-century stained glass. These designs are sometimes displayed as part of temporary exhibitions.

Tools, materials and other miscellaneous objects

The Museum also has a collection of tools and materials related to the design and manufacture of glass, lead and stained glass windows. Many of these are on display in the main gallery.

The Stained Glass Museum continues to collect stained glass and associated materials and develop its collections. For more information view our Collections Development Policy.

Library

The Museum has a specialist reference library, with a number of books, articles and pamphlets related to stained glass, glass, art and architecture, heraldry, and ecclesiastical history.

Search the Library Catalogue

The Library is open to the public via appointment only.

ABOUT US

Our Patron

Our Patron is His Royal Highness The former Prince of Wales

Governance

The Stained Glass Museum is governed by a Board of specialist Trustees, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Museum. The Stained Glass Museum is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) (Charity No. 1169842) and holds Full Accredited status with the Arts Council (574).

Our Team

The Stained Glass Museum is managed by a full-time Director and Curator and a small team of part-time staff, assisted by volunteers.

Our Purpose

The Stained Glass Museum collects, preserves, displays and interprets examples of our stained glass heritage to share with diverse audiences, inspire visitors, and deepen our understanding and enjoyment of the art of stained glass.

Our Vision

The Stained Glass Museum is working on plans to develop a national centre for the discovery, appreciation and preservation of stained glass. Our Vision Document (PDF) has been produced as part of the 'Windows onto the Future project' funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It sets out the Stained Glass Museum’s journey so far, and our vision for the future.

Our ambition is to become a nationally designated collection, with a dynamic learning programme and high-quality visitor experience.

Our overall vision is to be an accessible visitor attraction with a nationally recognised collection that provides learning experiences for all and actively promotes the preservation, study and appreciation of stained glass.

Our Supporters

The Stained Glass Museum is an independent museum and registered charity (no. 1169842). It does not receive any core funding from national or local government. The museum's main source of income is its paying visitors. We are grateful to the following trusts and foundations that have committed to giving the museum an annual grant in order to support the museum's collection and related educational activities:

● The Glaziers Trust (Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass).
● The Loppyluggs and Barbara Morrison Trust
● The Wyss Foundation

Find out how you can help support our unique museum.

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