Britain’s Most Fragile Treasure, 14 April 2024, BBC Four

In Britain’s Most Fragile Treasure, historian Dr. Janina Ramirez takes viewers on a journey to unlock the secrets of a centuries-old masterpiece in glass—the Great East Window at York Minster. The episode, airing on BBC Four on Sunday, 14 April, reveals the intricate details and historical significance of this stunning work of art.

The Great East Window, standing at 78 feet in height, is the largest medieval stained-glass window in the country. It is the creative vision of a single artist, a mysterious master craftsman named John Thornton, who is considered one of the earliest named English artists. Within its 311 stained-glass panels, the window depicts the entire history of the world, from the first day to the Last Judgment.

The episode follows the work of a highly skilled conservation team from the York Glaziers Trust, who undertook a five-year project to dismantle and restore the window to its original glory. This conservation effort provides a unique opportunity for Dr. Ramirez to examine Thornton’s masterpiece up close, uncovering intricate details that would normally be invisible to the naked eye.

The Great East Window is far more than just a work of artistic genius. It serves as a window into the medieval world and mind, shedding light on the beliefs, values, and artistic techniques of the time. The episode promises to offer insights into the complex history of York Minster and the intricate process of creating stained-glass artwork with simple tools.

Britain’s Most Fragile Treasure airs on BBC Four at 7:00 pm on Sunday 14 April 2024.