A breathtaking gift has been presented to Coventry Cathedral, bringing to life the artistic vision of John Hutton, who tragically lost his life during the creation of the cathedral's iconic glass West Screen. The three chalk drawings, measuring 7ft by 3ft each, were meticulously restored and gifted to the cathedral by the Friends of Coventry Cathedral group. These sketches, created by Hutton as blueprints for the 66 angel and saint figures carved into the 70ft high glass screen, are now on display over the Christmas period. The restoration process, led by specialist conservator Heather Norville-Day, was a challenging endeavor, as the prints were extremely fragile, water-damaged, and moldy. The Friends group initially raised £1,500 to purchase the art, which had been in the possession of one of Hutton's friends, and an additional £20,000 was spent on restoration and framing. Cathedral archivist Dianne Morris expressed her excitement, stating that the sketches are 'so magnificent' and that she would have bought them herself. The artist's work can also be admired at Guildford Cathedral and in New Zealand, where Hutton was born. However, the angels depicted in Coventry's sketches are unique, as Hutton portrayed them with movement, dancing, and playing instruments. This gift allows visitors to witness the different stages of the creation process and appreciate the effort involved. The exhibition marks the end of a two-year project, and the sketches will be conserved and framed to museum standards, ensuring their story is shared with future generations. But here's where it gets controversial... Some may argue that the restoration and display of these sketches are unnecessary, as the original carvings are already a part of the cathedral's history. And this is the part most people miss... The restoration process, while necessary to preserve the art, also raises questions about the value of preserving historical artifacts and the potential impact on the original context. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the restoration and display of these sketches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
