Editorial

Vidimus welcomes its readers to our first quarterly issue. The world has changed a great deal since the last issue, but we hope we can provide some light relief in these worrying times.

In this issue, we have three fascinating and diverse features. Dr Ivo Rauch sheds light on an understudied twentieth-century stained glass artist, Anna Andersch-Marcus, and investigates the condition and conservation challenges of her experimental glazing scheme at the Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem. Rachel Arnold explains the challenges of safeguarding both endangered bats and historic churches, focusing upon the impact of bats on stained glass, and the innovative solutions being developed by the Bats in Churches project. Stephen Huws reveals the tragic tale of St Peter’s Church, Bramley, and explores the significance of its nineteenth-century Acts of Mercy Window. We also have the first of a series of articles on interesting wills and windows by Richard Marks, to whet our appetites ahead of the publication of his forthcoming CVMA volume.

In our Reviews section, Vidimus is delighted to include an expanded review of Georgina Maltby and Andrew Loutit’s book Theodora Salusbury, Stained Glass Artist 1875–1956, by Martin Crampin, which was first published in The Journal of Religious History, Literature and Culture. Bethanie Zucker has reviewed the University of York’s Stained Glass Conservation Spring Masterclass, which was held at the end of February.

There is good news to report from the Stained Glass Museum, who have been gifted a test panel created by Canterbury Cathedral for the Damson Window, as well as an appeal for support in the current crisis. Although this summer’s CVMA Colloquium and Forum have been postponed, we bring exciting news of the launch of York Glaziers Trust’s York Minster Stained Glass Navigator, allowing the exploration of two of the Minster’s magnificent windows from the comfort of our homes. The Bats in Churches project has also announced a free online discussion series, which will be streamed live each Wednesday in May. There is also still time to watch the BBC’s documentary Rebuilding Notre-Dame: Inside the Great Cathedral Rescue.

More good news comes in the form of the launch of ARCOVE, the Association for the Restoration-Conservation of Stained Glass in Spain, while Barley Studio report on their recent success conserving a First World War memorial window at St Matthew’s Church, Hull, as part of the rescue and repurposing of the building. However, we also bring sad news of the recent death of the much-loved and well-respected stained glass collector and dealer, George Wigley.

We always welcome submissions for articles, news and reviews, so please do get in touch if you have anything for a forthcoming issue. We will also be making improvements to the website over the coming months, so if you have any suggestions for features or changes, please let us know.

Vidimus wishes all of its readers good health and happiness over the coming months.

Katharine Harrison, Editor, April 2020