York Minster, North Yorkshire
Address
Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter, Deangate, York YO1 7HHTheme
Overview
Home to one of the country’s great collections of medieval stained glass. Highlights included the early 16th century south transept Rose window, famously damaged in the fire of 1984, and the extraordinary Five sisters window of 13th century grisaille glass in the north transept. However, the high point is the magnificent 14th century Great East window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country, and the recent beneficiary of a 10 year programme of conservation and restoration. The window can be investigated via The York Minster Stained Glass Navigator – https://stainedglass-navigator.yorkglazierstrust.org/
Highlight
St Francis window in the Zouche chapelArtist, maker and date
Ervin Bossányi, 1944; installed 1975Reason for highlighting
The skill and craftsmanship of the medieval glaziers has been complimented by more recent additions. Amongst these other treasures is a St Francis window in the south wall of the Zouche Chapel, installed in 1975, as a tribute to Dean Eric Milner-White (1941-63). It was made in 1944 by the Hungarian émigré Ervin Bossányi, who had fled to England to escape anti-Semitism, and whose work had been promoted by Milner-White.
Artist/maker notes
Ervin Bossányi (1891-1975), now best known for his glorious stained glass, was a master in many art forms. His work, expressed in a language of strong colour and skilful draughtsmanship, speaks of harmony, serenity, and human dignity which tells much about a sensitive artist who shunned publicity and was happiest in the sanctuary of his studio. Born in Hungary, Bossányi was twice exiled, first in Germany, and then after the rise of National Socialism, in England. The influences upon him crossed cultural divides and continents and were blended into an unmistakable personal style.
Source: Ervin Bossányi: Vision, Art and Exile by edited by Sarah Brown and Jo Bossányi (Spire Books, 2008)
Comments by
Peter Hildebrand