The hidden gem from earthly paradise : technical guidelines for the conservation and maintenance of the stained glass of St Andrew's Church, Hong Kong

Abstract

In recent years, awareness of cultural and heritage conservation has increased in Hong Kong in general. However, there currently appears to be a lack of technical guidance tailored to conservation and maintenance of local heritage buildings and materials, particularly uncommon materials like stained glass. The historical development of stained glass in the West is reviewed, focusing on the stylistic influences of Gothic architecture and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Typical problems faced by Western stained glass conservators are then discussed as a basis for comparing recent experience in restoring and repairing historic stained glass in Hong Kong at St Andrew’s Church, Hong Kong. St Andrew’s Church was built in 1906. The original stained glass was designed and fabricated in the workshops of the famous Arts and Crafts Movement proponent William Morris. Recent restoration work highlighted the heritage significance of these valuable windows as well as a lack of local skill and expertise in stained glass repair and interpretation. This thesis is intended to help fill this gap by formulating a set of conservation and maintenance guidelines for stained glass and stimulate further work to establish a broader set of technical handbooks relevant to Hong Kong building and materials for various stakeholders including but not limit to building owners and managers, as well as conservation professionals.