Stained glass: an introduction
Discover the delicate, decorative art of stained glass
Stained glass
Our stained glass collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world, tracing the history, design, and technique of this unique art form from the 12th to the 21st century.
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The collection is particularly strong in the Medieval and Renaissance period. Further highlights include 17th- and 18th-century painted glass, stained glass connected to the Gothic Revival and Arts & Crafts movements and works by 20th-century and contemporary artists and designers such as Patrick Reyntiens and Harry Clarke.
Collection highlights
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King René's Honeymoon, panel, designed by Gabriel Dante Rossetti & Morris & Co., about 1863, London -
Triumph of Death over the Clergy, panel, about 1520 – 1530, Normandy, France -
October, roundel, about 1480, Norwich, England -
Apparition of the Sacred Heart, panel, designed by Harry Clarke, 1918, Dublin, Ireland -
Prophet from a Tree of Jesse, panel, about 1210 – 45, Champagne-Ardenne, France -
Cross, panel, designed by Patrick Reyntiens, 1966, England -
Wild man and woman supporting the arms of Kyburg, panel, by Lukas Zeiner, about 1490, Zürich, Switzerland -
Fragment, about 1420 – 1450, England -
Tower of Babel, panel, 1631, Zurich, Switzerland -
Kindersymphony, window, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, 1912, Illinois, US -
Susannah and the Elders at the Well, roundel, designed by Pseudo-Ortkens, about 1520 – 1540, Netherlands -
Prophet Ezekiel flanked by Saints John the Evangelist and James the Less, window, by Thomas of Oxford, about 1393, Oxfordshire, England
Features
How was it made? Stained glass
Watch a medieval stained glass panel being reproduced using centuries-old techniques
Stained glass: the Gothic Revival and beyond
How the Victorians revived the art of stained glass – laying the foundations for a modern take on decorated windows
Sacred stained glass
Like huge and colourful picture storybooks, stained glass has been used to spread messages for centuries
Header image: Brownies, Oriel Window, designed by Selwyn Image, about 1895, England. Museum no. C.118-1984. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London