Friends Lecture: A Return to Glory: Conserving an 1898 Tiffany Glass Window

Stained glass is associated with grand and majestic European cathedrals, but it’s equally treasured in the United States. It decorates places of worship, museums, homes, train stations, and even hospital waiting rooms.

Historic stained glass needs treatment to prolong its life and functionality. However, there isn’t an overarching philosophy or ethical standard that guides the treatment of stained glass. In the United States, there’s no formal education or regulatory organization to provide support to conservators.

Brianne Van Vorst has made stained glass her life’s work. She’ll discuss projects throughout her career, including her work in conserving windows from an iconic local landmark, the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, as well as the Briarcliff Congregational Church in New York and more.

Van Vorst’s interest in stained glass originated at the University of York where she received a Master of Arts in Stained Glass Conservation and Cultural Heritage Management. She opened her consulting firm, Liberty Stained Glass Conservation, in 2016. Her work positively impacts the stained-glass heritage in the United States through advocacy and a commitment to preservation of these treasured art forms.

Friends members may call Visitor Experience at 612-870-6323 on October 15 to secure lecture tickets before they’re available to the public. Tickets for Mia members and the public are available on October 17.