An expert report into the state of the windows, identified as one of the most significant collections of medieval stained glass in Australia, has found it in "dire need" of conservation.
The report by Eumundi-based stained-glass artists and conservators Gerry Cummins and Jill Stehn assessed all the pieces in the collection, spanning from the 14th Century.
It found the 1920 Michael the Archangel window and two 1400s medieval pieces from Winchester Cathedral, Angel Gabriel and Beast of Revelation, need urgent restoration. Natural ageing of the lead has buckled the Cathedral windows alarmingly, according to the report.
A $10,000 donation has kick-started the restoration program of two windows, one a 16th-century piece believed to be from a German building destroyed by Napoleonic troops. But it will cost a total $127,000 for the restoration of 50 pieces in the museum's collection in most need of care.
This has left the Abbey desperate for sponsors. "There is a long way to go; the two major Winchester windows - each one of those will cost around about $10,000 for restoration," Abbey Museum chief executive officer Edith Cuffe said.
Benefactors who fund restoration of a window - anywhere between $500 and $10,000 apiece - will be invited to visit the conservation studio.
Gerry Cummins, who studied stained-glass conservation techniques in Europe, will be guest speaker at a public talk at the Abbey Museum on Saturday from 7.30pm. Cost is $6. Phone 5495 1652.
(By Kelmemy Fraser - The Northern Times / News for Medievalists - 2 March 2007)
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