A fine collection of stained-glass windows by acclaimed Scottish artists Douglas Strachan and Alan Younger, which decorates the University of Glasgow’s Memorial Chapel, has been restored by the Estates Conservation team and is now open for public viewing. 

The Strachan series represents the entirety of human life as a spiritual enterprise, which was installed between 1931 and completed after his death in 1950. The scheme is a notable example of stained-glass pieces from the late end of the Arts and Crafts movement. 

The windows were sensitively restored by specialist stained-glass conservators. This included detailed cleaning, replacement of damaged segments which were accurately matched by colour and era, re-leading of panels which had slumped due to passage of time and support bars were re-secured in place with traditional copper ties. The work resulted in fantastic colours, illuminating windows even on the dullest of Glasgow days. 

Ian Campbell, Executive Director of Estates at the University of Glasgow, said: Ian Campbell, Executive Director of Estates at the University of Glasgow, said: “We are entrusted with so many outstanding pieces of art at the University, including the remarkable stained-glass windows by Douglas Strachan. Custodianship of our beautiful estate is central to our Estates strategy and we are therefore very proud to have restored these windows for future generations to enjoy.”   

Lynsey Paterson, Building Surveyor leading the Conservation projects, said: “Covid has not given us many highlights, but this certainly was one me. It provided the opportunity to thoroughly inspect, record, and restore some of Scotland’s most significant pieces of built heritage not only in the stained-glass but also in the building structure itself. It was an honor and privilege to lead on this project which has contributed to preserving this important built heritage for future generations to enjoy”. 

Public, staff and students are welcome to visit the University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel during its opening hours, as well as attend music and religious events organised by the Chaplaincy. You can find more information about visiting the site at https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/chaplaincy. 

First published: 24 March 2022

<< 28 March 2022