Sarah Brown, a national expert on medieval ecclesiastical architecture, stained glass history and conservation and Director of the York Glaziers Trust gave an insightful talk on stained glass conservation, illustrated by visits to three Oxford College chapels:

New with its medieval glazing commissioned from the Oxford craftsman Thomas Glazier (c.1380) by the founder of the college, and the 1774 reglazing by William Peckitt of York, the most famous glass-painter of his day;

Wadham with its monumental East window of 1622, made by Bernard van Linge, a Dutch craftsman. It is claimed this chapel was the first religious building in England to regain its stained glass following the Reformation;

and Balliol with its recently renovated north side windows containing fragments of glass from 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.

Those attending had a chance to appreciate many colourful stories about the history and conservation of the magnificent stained glass we have in Oxford.

Lunch was served in the 19th Century splendid vaulted Hall of Wadham College, which turned the break into an additional enjoyable visit to a historical building.

OHCT was once again delighted to welcome Sarah Brown to Oxford and hope that further talks can be arranged in the future.  Watch this space !