Divine Beauty was created by artists, Luxmuralis, who took imagery from the stained-glass windows and projected them inside the cathedral to create a fully immersive experience as part of the launch of Birmingham Cathedral’s Divine Beauty project to conserve and better interpret these four remarkable windows.
Designed by Birmingham- born Edward Burne-Jones and made in the workshop of William Morris, the windows are an example of Pre-Raphaelite art in the artist’s hometown and a full conservation project started last year.
Scaffolding went up last April to enable conservation work to commence – thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. In that time almost 3,500 people have joined special scaffold tours which afforded them a bird’s eye view of these unique windows.
The scaffold tours were accompanied by monthly drop-ins with the conservation team, and a host of activities for all ages including poetry competitions, lectures and craft events.
The scaffolding came down in early November at the east end and The Last Judgement window was fully unveiled in December.
But activities are continuing this year as work continues to complete the project, including producing some podcasts with young artists, engaging with over 1500 school children, hosting arts displays in the cathedral in the spring, a final symposium with The Victorian Society and a celebratory Evensong in April.
Anna Pitt, CEO at Birmingham Cathedral, said:
“Divine Beauty at Night really captured people’s imagination – bringing new visitors into the cathedral and showcasing our windows.
“We know many people missed out on tickets last time, so we were keen to do another show, giving more people the chance to come into the cathedral and learn about these unique treasures.
“The windows are shining brightly following their conservation –both inside and out– and we are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and our other supporters who have enabled the project to happen,’ she added.
Photo credit – Luxmuralis Peter Walker Sculptor
Peter Walker, Artistic Director at Luxmuralis, said:
“The Burne-Jones windows in Birmingham Cathedral are amongst artworks which can be rightfully classed as national treasures, I have known the works of Burne-Jones since I was young and we are privileged to be able to bring these windows to life for new audiences.”
Book tickets at here.
Divine Beauty at Night – Jan 4,5 and 6th. Tickets are non-refundable. All proceeds from this event will go towards the conservation of the Burne-Jones windows.
