VERY INTERESTING: STAINED GLASS

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Fun & Interesting Facts About Stained Glass Windows 

Stained glass is one of the most culturally significant art forms in world history. It has ancient origins and a fascinating history in Europe and other parts of the world. 

The Middle Ages and Renaissance periods are considered the Golden Ages of stained glass windows. These functional works of art continue to decorate the most famous churches and cathedrals in the world, and give us insights into the people and ideas of those living long ago. 

While the popularity of stained glass windows waxed and waned during different periods of history, they continue to fascinate us today. Stained glass has experienced a resurgence in art and culture, with glass artists learning and teaching the art form in studios around the world today.

Let’s explore some interesting historical facts and fun facts about stained glass windows and other forms of stained glass art. 

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1) Decorative glass dates back to the ancient Egyptians. 

Glass beads from Egypt. These are tiny examples of ancient glass art.

As with many other things, the ancient Egyptians are credited with creating some of the earliest glass art in human history. While they did not decorate windows with stained glass, the Egyptians were the first to experiment with glass for artistic purposes.

Some of the best evidence of their glass art survives today. Glass beads dating to 2750-2625 BC show the Egyptians’ ability to form basic shapes out of hot glass. To make the beads, artists wound molten glass around a removable clay core. 

2) The oldest stained glass fragments in Europe date back to 686 AD. 

St. Paul’s Monastery in Jarrow, England is the site where the oldest stained glass fragments in Europe were discovered. 

Stained glass windows were a medieval invention. While the height of stained glass window production happened during and after the 14th century, earlier examples of stained glass windows have been excavated at sites across Europe. 

Archaeologists found the earliest surviving evidence of a stained glass window at St. Paul’s Monastery in Jarrow, United Kingdom. The window was found in fragments and is believed to be from around 686 AD. 

3) Augsburg Cathedral is home to the oldest complete stained glass window. 

Augsburg Cathedral contains copies of the oldest complete stained glass windows in Europe. While England is home to the oldest fragments of stained glass in European history, the Augsburg Cathedral in Bavaria, Germany contains the oldest complete stained glass window. While the original five panels of the window have been moved to a museum, visitors can view copies of the window at the Cathedral. 

The window is an excellent example of early medieval stained glass and features bright colours and lines and tonal shading. 

4) Sainte Chapelle contains one of the largest collections of medieval stained glass.  

Sainte Chapelle has one of the largest collections of medieval stained glass windows. 

Sainte Chapelle in Paris is perhaps the best place in the world to see medieval stained glass windows. The chapel itself was designed in a beautiful Gothic style and only took a quick seven years to build. 

Sainte Chapelle dates to the 13th century and features an impressive number of windows. Each of its 15 windows measures around 15 meters high. The windows are made from 1,113 smaller stained glass panels depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. 

5) The Great East Window at York Minster is the UK’s stained glass masterpiece. 

The Great East Window is England’s stained glass treasure. Coventry glazier John Thornton, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

York Minster is an architectural masterpiece located in York, England. While the entire cathedral is impressive, the Great East Window is truly a sight to see. 

Created in the 1400s, the Great East Window is the largest stained glass window in the United Kingdom and is one of the country’s best examples of medieval stained glass. 

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking