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Advanced Techniques in Stained Glass Conservation - HOA00045M

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  • Department: History of Art
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Related modules

Prerequisite modules:  

Year One modules:

  • Basic Glass Handling and Glass Craft Skills, 
  • Introduction to Stained Glass Conservation; Techniques and Treatments,
  • The History and Theory of Stained Glass Conservation,
  • Professional Studio Placement.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

Building on the first year modules Basic Glass Handling and Glass Craft Skills and Introduction to Stained Glass Conservation; Techniques and Treatments, The History and Theory of Stained Glass Conservation, reinforced by the experience of the professional studio placement, this module will introduce the latest developments in stained glass conservation.These concepts, materials and techniques will be introduced and investigated according to both theoretical and practical approaches. The course will be organised thematically and practical exercises and experiments conducted by the students will accompany each topic. The seminar programme is complemented by the assignment to each student of an autonomous conservation project, implemented throughout the semester and the subject of assessment, together with a short essay on one of the seminar themes. The integration of visiting lecturers through the programme of master-classes, will keep the course up-to-date in the very latest developments for the field of glass painting conservation, and will provide valuable opportunities for the discussion of new research.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should have acquired:

  • High level of knowledge of current and emerging technologies in stained glass conservation
  • Practical mastery of the latest conservation technologies, materials and treatments
  • Strong grasp of the theoretical and ethical framework for the practice of stained glass conservation
  • High levels of competence in the planning, evaluation and execution of conservation projects
  • Familiarity with the relevant bibliography
  • Theoretical and practical preparation for the completion of the M.A. dissertation

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 30
Essay/coursework 70

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 30
Essay/coursework 70

Module feedback

You will receive feedback on assessed work within the timeframes set out by the University - please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.

The purpose of feedback is to help you to improve your future work. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further, you are warmly encouraged to meet your Supervisor during their Office Hours.

Indicative reading

  • Ambers, J. Holding It All Together: Ancient and Modern Approaches to Joining, Repair and Consolidation. London: Archetype, 2009.
  • Bacher, Ernst. "Glasmalerei, Restaurierung - Forschung, Methodik, Praxis." In Glaskonservierung: Historische Glasfenster und ihre Erhaltung, Arbeitshefte des 32, 34-41. Munich: Bayerischen Landesamtes fuer Denkmalpflege, 1985.
  • Brown, Sarah, et al., eds. Stained Glass: Art at the Surface: Creation, Recognition, Conservation: Transactions of the 10th Forum for the Conservation and Technology of Stained Glass. S.l.: International Scientific Committee for the Conservation of Stained Glass, 2017.
  • Caen, J.M.A. "Ethical Principles for the Conservation of Stained Glass in Monuments and Museums." In Glass, Ceramics and Related Materials, edited by Alice Boccia Paterakis, 11-16. Vantaa: EVTEK Institute of Arts and Design, Department of Conservation Studies, 1998.
  • Davison, Sandra. The Conservation and Restoration of Glass. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2003.
  • Horie, Charles Velson. Materials for Conservation. London: Butterworths, 1987.
  • Rauch, Ivo. The Conservation and Restoration of Stained Glass: An Introduction to the Problems. Nuremberg: CVMA, 2004.
  • Shepard, Mary, Lisa Pilosi, and Sebastian Strobl, eds. The Art of Collaboration, Stained Glass Conservation in the Twenty-First Century. London: Harvey Miller, 2010.
  • Vitrearum, Corpus, et, al. Corpus Vitrearum Newsletter 48: Bulletin, le vitrail comme un tout / International Committee for Conservation and Technological Research of the Corpus Vitrearum. Romont: Centre suisse de recherche et d'information sur le vitrail, 2001.
  • Vitrearum, Corpus. Guidelines for the Conservation and Restoration of Stained Glass. 2nd ed. Nuremberg: CVMA, 2004.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.