AN appeal to restore beautiful stained glass window of angels at Salisbury Cathedral has received a boost.

This comes after the Arts Society Salisbury pledged £1,000 to the appeal which looks to restore the magnificent Burne-Jones window.

The two-year restoration process is said to cost up to £120,000 after years of exposure to the elements, particularly condensation, have taken a toll.

Recent close inspections have unveiled the true extent of the deterioration – the painted details, especially the figurative elements of the window, have significantly deteriorated.

The lead work shows signs of cracking, and the unique glazing exacerbates the challenges.

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Work to restore the windows will be undertaken by Salisbury Cathedral’s skilled glazing department – and the cathedral is one of only 10 of England’s 42 cathedrals to have its own dedicated works team who work to conserve and protect its fascinating heritage.

Currently there are four glaziers working in the onsite studio at Salisbury Cathedral, including one apprentice glazier.

Head glazier Sam Kelly was apprenticed at the cathedral and honed his craft over many years.

Sam has a great depth of knowledge of the glass at Salisbury Cathedral and is leading the team in the window’s care and conservation.

The window was installed in Salisbury Cathedral by the Townsend family, who lived at Mompesson House in The Close 145 years ago, but it is now in need of vital work to maintain its integrity into the future.

The window, which was donated in commemoration of one of the family, Captain George Eyre Townsend RA, was jointly designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris and manufactured by Morris and Co in the late 19th century.

The Arts Society Salisbury initially provided £500 for the appeal after finding a small surplus against its annual budget for the first time in several years, which was match-funded by an additional £500 from The Arts Society Wessex Area’s funds, making a total donation of £1,000.

A spokesperson for The Arts Society Salisbury said: “One of The Arts Society Salisbury’s stated aims is to support conservation in its community, so its involvement in this piece of arts restoration at the very heart of its own city is important.

“The Society is also very grateful for the additional funding from its area team.”