FOR years a life-sized photo of the Great East Window has stood as a reminder at York Minster but soon we will see the real thing again, following one of the most ambitious conservation projects in Europe.

Known as the Sistine Chapel of the stained-glass world, John Thornton’s masterpiece is an undisputed jewel in the Minster’s crown and being the size of a tennis court, it’s the largest surviving expanse of medieval glass in the world.

But after all the hard work of restoring the window wouldn’t it be a shame if it was left exposed?

Sarah Brown of the York Glaziers Trust certainly thinks so, which is why she has ordered some innovative UV-resistant glass to provide state-of-the-art environmental protection, which she says could extend the life of the stained glass well into the next century, hopefully beyond.

And York Minster will be the first building in the UK to use this extraordinary new material.

The dramatic Apocalypse cycle, which was designed and installed more than 600 years ago, will begin to return to the East Window next summer and is set for completion the following spring.

Installing this remarkable protective glass marks a significant milestone and takes us one step closer to having the Great East Window back in to glory.