Editorial

As our February issue went to press, news of the imminent invasion of the Ukraine was already emerging. So much death and destruction has happened in the intervening months, that even the prospect of brighter summer days cannot dispel the horror and sadness we share with Ukrainian friends and colleagues. In our news section we highlight sources of information about Ukrainian stained glass, as well as providing links for those who may wish to offer practical help, including advice on emergency protection methods drafted by the ICOMOS/Corpus Vitrearum International Scientific Committee for the Conservation of Stained Glass. We also highlight efforts by the same committee to mobilise the heritage sector to challenge the proposed ban on the use of lead proposed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which could pose an existential threat to stained glass fabrication, conservation and display.

On a far brighter note, we welcome a major feature introducing the remarkable stained-glass riches of Chile. Author Andrea Araos has also alerted us to the work of the Group for the Study and Conservation of Stained Glass in Latin America (GIVAL), currently running their exciting first international event, a series of online masterclasses which will continue until August 2022. We also spotlight an eclectic stained-glass collection curated by English Heritage at Audley End in Essex. Another fascinating collection, that of Lord Stuart de Rothesay, assembled in the 1830s for his sumptuous mansion at Highcliffe in Dorset, is remerging from decades of obscurity. Over the summer months visitors to the house will be able to see stained glass conservators at work to conserve and stabilise the collection ahead of redisplay in 2023.

For those readers beginning to plan their summer holiday reading, we also have reviews of four new publications of interest to the international stained-glass community.

As always, we welcome articles and news items from our readership. Potential contributors will now find our guidance on house style available to download from this site. Please do not hesitate to get in touch: vidimus.editor@gmail.com.

Professor Sarah Brown, Editor

Christopher Parkinson, Assistant Editor