The Stained Glass Repository (formerly the London Stained Glass Repository) is part of the Glaziers’ Company charitable foundation (registered charity no. 1143700). The Repository’s primary remit is to prevent the loss of glass of significant artistic merit, the source of which is frequently from redundant churches, whose buildings are being pulled down or repurposed.
Once notified that glass is under threat the Repository considers its artistic merit, historic interest, state of repair and general condition. If the glass fulfils these conditions, an assessment is made as to whether there is a realistic chance of rehoming the glass where it will be seen and appreciated by the general public. If accepted, it is then photographed and catalogued, with details of the artist, subject-matter, church/diocese of origin, size and condition etc. and placed on our website.
We are then able to direct potential recipients of the windows to the website to choose windows that are appropriate to the new location, which does not have to be in the United Kingdom. The recipient must agree to have the glass installed by a recognised glazier.
We are unable to pay for the glass we acquire and correspondingly we do not charge the new owners, although many of those have shown their gratitude with generous donations, which are very welcome and used to defray administrative costs.
Initial enquiries should be directed to the Clerk’s Office – details on the Contact Us page.
More detailed information can be found using the following links:
• The Catalogue of the London Stained Glass Repository which can be viewed online.
• Terms of reference – this document sets out the general aims of the Repository and the criteria for the acceptance of glass and its rehousing and reinstallation. There is also guidance on heritage contacts.
• Donation Guidelines – specific advice and guidelines for those wishing to donate stained glass to the Repository.
• Installation Guidelines – specific advice and guidelines for places of worship or other building owners considering installing stained glass from the Repository.
THE FUTURE
The number of churches being made redundant has now shrunk to a trickle with a correspondingly reduced inflow of glass to the Repository. However, interest from possible new owners has remained reasonably high. The greatest need of the Repository, therefore, is to find glass from sources other than the Anglican Church, which is nevertheless redundant or at risk. The Repository Committee actively seeks to identify such new sources.