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A Project of English and World Cultural Significance
The Great East Window of York Minster is the earliest known example of English visual art by a named artist, John Thornton of Coventry. It is among the world's largest medieval stained glass windows. Within York Minster, it is the culmination of a great iconographic scheme which begins at the far west end of the cathedral, by depicting the entire Book of Revelation, or the Apocalypse.
Artistic Heritage
York Minster is the largest medieval cathedral north of the Alps. It was conceived as the embodiment of heaven on earth. The story told by its art and architecture was intended to show the spiritual and theological journey from the Old Testament through to the Second coming. These are the beliefs which western art and culture are built upon.
The eastern part of the cathedral is in dire need of repair and conservation to ensure that the building is secure. It is essential that this masterpiece is preserved - better knwon and better understood for future generations.
Revelation of a masterpiece
The project will restore the beauty of John Thornton's masterpiece and will also ensure that it is better understood. Time and poor quality earlier interventions have meant that the window is jumbled and in some places baffling. The project will revive the window and allow better understanding of the story it depicts.
To increase access
The access plans will allow the Minster to be opened up as never before. The piazza planned for the South Entrance will re-unite the Minster with the city and greatly improve the urban landscape.
Plans for new interpretation inside the Minster will enable people to better understand what they are seeing and will hopefully transform their experience of York Minster.
The project presents opportunities to reinterpret the East Front and the Minster itself. They make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reveal a partly hidden jewel to the world.
The image above shows a visual model of the piazza planned for the South Transept Entrance. Click on the image to enlarge it.