The grant from The Julia Rausing Trust will allow the museum to carry out essential conservation work.
The Stained Glass Museum, Ely is delighted to share that the museum has been awarded a major new grant by The Julia Rausing Trust which will improve collections care through conservation work and environmental assessment, whilst providing opportunities for training and public engagement around the care and conservation of stained glass over the next three years. As part of this project, a specialist stained glass conservator will be appointed to undertake a programme of conservation on the stained glass windows within the museum’s collection, with adaptions made within the museum’s gallery to further protect these beautiful, but fragile works (Fig. 1). The museum will also offer two stained glass conservation internships to help train the next generation of conservators. With stained glass added to the ‘Heritage at Risk’ red list in 2023, offering these opportunities to the next generation is more important than ever. The students will be able to put their skills to use and gain valuable public-facing conservation experience, whilst continuing their studies.
In addition to the preventative conservation, heritage and skills training, the project will showcase the specialist conservation processes and techniques for the public, online through video, in person with a series of behind-the-scenes tours, and with a variety of engaging learning opportunities. Children will also enjoy special themed events during the school holidays and educational visits inspired by the science of conservation and the environment. Dr Jasmine Allen, Director and Curator of The Stained Glass Museum says; “This grant of over £90,000 from The Julia Rausing Trust will allow the museum to undertake some essential conservation work to our specialist collection, whilst sharing this process with the public too. We are particularly delighted to be able to host conservation placements for trainee conservators as part of the project and offer the unique experience to combine the practicalities of stained glass conservation within our museum, which is based in a Grade-1 listed historic setting.”
The grant will also be used to commission an environmental assessment and upgrade the museums environmental monitoring system to improve monitoring and care of the historic stained glass collections within the museum’s current unique Cathedral setting (Fig. 2). Photos are copyright of The Stained Glass Museum.
About The Stained Glass Museum
With examples of stained glass from the 13th century onwards, from both secular and sacred contexts, The Stained Glass Museum’s collection spans over 800 years of history. From the museum’s gallery in the triforium of Ely Cathedral, visitors can experience this art form at close quarters. The museum is the only museum dedicated to stained glass in the UK. It organises an engaging programme of hands-on workshops, events and talks take place throughout the year. The museum is open 6 days per week, Monday – Saturday, with annual passes for adults priced at £6.50 and accompanying children free. www.stainedglassmuseum.com
About The Julia Rausing Trust
The Julia Rausing Trust has been established in memory of the late British philanthropist Julia Rausing, (née Delves-Broughton), who died in 2024. The Julia Rausing Trust will see £100 million donated to charities and organisations in its first year and annually thereafter. Julia Rausing co-founded The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust in 2014. She was widely known for her unwavering commitment to philanthropy and her impactful contributions to a wide range of UK charitable causes. She was instrumental in building the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust into one of the largest philanthropic funds in the country, donating £400 million to causes acrossHealth, Welfare, and the Arts, primarily within the UK.
The Julia Rausing Trust is a registered charity (number 1213572).