Priceless window comes home

Priceless window comes home

The window has been installed in Sunderland Minster

A priceless stained glass window, saved from being sold abroad, has gone on display in its home city.

The 15-foot-high work of Victorian art by William Morris used to be in Christ Church, Sunderland, but was under threat from vandals as the church became redundant.

It was taken away and stored in London, but was still in danger of being sold overseas if a suitable new home could not be found.

Church authorities succeeded in securing the window and it was brought back to city to be installed in Sunderland Minster.

Rector Stephen Taylor told BBC Radio Newcastle it was a welcome and colourful addition to the church.

'Lost for good'

He said: "It has transformed the west end of our church.

"What was a fairly bland, blank window is now a flood of colourful light with some quite extraordinary pictures and cameos within. It is lovely.

"I'm not a great expert in stained glass, but I do know William Morris is a much sort after stained-glass artist.

"Had this piece not have been secured back in here at Sunderland, it could well have been sold to America and we would have lost it for good."

Vandalised church

The official dedication of the window will take place on 8 March by the outgoing Bishop of Durham the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull on his last visit to Sunderland before his retirement in April.

Neil Molt, stained glass advisor to the Anglican Diocese of Durham, told BBC Radio Newcastle it was a very important window.

"I am very glad and very happy for Sunderland that we have been able to retain and display this window in the town itself.

"There had already been significant vandalism at the church even when it was still in operation as a church and we were very concerned for its safety.

"There is also quite a market for such things now in the art world. It is priceless."