Morecambe Winter Gardens stained glass windows to be restored

Beautiful stained glass windows in the Morecambe Winter Gardens theatre are set to be restored.

The project is part of the latest stage of the restoration of the Grade II* listed venue on Marine Road Central.

The restoration of the stained-glass windows will be carried out by Sarah Walkley from Lancashire-based specialists Pendle Glass.

Seventy four existing, damaged panels will be repaired and 15 new panels of various sizes fabricated from scratch to replace those that have been destroyed or gone missing since the entertainment venue closed its doors to the public in 1977.

The work is anticipated to be completed by March 2026, with the public able to see the newly installed panels for themselves on scheduled tours next year.

The Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, owners of the theatre, have received a £7405 grant from Morecambe Town Council towards the work.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to restore the stained glass at the Winter Gardens," said Sarah Walkley.

"It’s the best kind of work an artist can have, giving me the chance to restore these beautifully crafted windows to their former glory using traditional techniques passed down through centuries. I’m enjoying the process of giving them a beautiful renaissance."

Professor Vanessa Toulmin, chairperson of Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, said: "We are delighted to get the support once again of Morecambe Town Council to improve and bring the beautiful stained-glass windows in the Winter Gardens back to their former glory.

"This support, alongside our other funders, will enable once again the true magnificence of the designs to be shown and reflect the ambitions of the original theatre to be one of the most beautiful concert halls in the North.

"Alongside this support we will be doing fundraising through raffles, events and crowdfunding to complete the process, with more information on how to donate via our website.

"Thank you, Morecambe Town Council and all the local people who continue to contribute so much to bringing the theatre back to life."

The town council grant covers approximately half of the stained glass repair costs, with a significant contribution from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund leaving a small percentage still to be raised through public donations.

Jason Slater, chairperson of Morecambe Town Council’s Grants Committee, said: "Much like the development of the Eden Project, the return of the Winter Gardens as a fully functioning entertainment venue will have a hugely positive impact on Morecambe.

"As an entertainment space and heritage attraction it will draw visitors from across the region and beyond, while providing employment, entertainment and performance opportunities for local people.

"The restoration of the stained glass is another step in the right direction and the Winter Gardens Preservation Trust can continue to count on the support of Morecambe Town Council as it continues on this exciting journey."

Photo credit: Duncan Robert Blair

Running alongside the restoration work, the trust is planning a series of community engagement activities, including three workshops with Sarah Walkley, where participants can learn about and try their hand at some of the restoration techniques involved under the instruction of a true expert in her craft.

Sarah trained in Siena, Italy with Vetrate Artistiche Toscana (VAT) in 1994-1995 and was taught to paint on glass by Alberto Positano.

At the end of her training Sarah was employed by VAT to design and make several commissions for a church in Montalcino, Tuscany and a set of 12 stained-glass windows further south in Italy.

After returning to the UK in 1995, Sarah worked for the prestigious stained-glass artist, Matthew Lloyd Winder before setting up her own business in North London specialising in restoring Victorian stained glass - one famous client being former Channel 4 presenter, Roland Rivron.

In 1997, Sarah moved up to the North West and continued working on new commissions for schools, homes and businesses as well as restoring many church windows.

Some examples of large restoration projects are a complete restoration of the Victorian West windows of Trinity Church in Ulverston, a project which took a year to complete, and several large restoration projects at Holy Trinity Parish Church in Kendal.

Sarah is a regular sell-out tutor at the Brewery Arts Centre and have been teaching the ancient craft there for 27 years and loves the process of restoring damaged windows to their former glory and teaching people how stained glass is made.

In March, the Winter Gardens was given the go ahead to carry out plans to increase its capacity to 1600.

Lancaster City Council granted planning permission and listed building consent for major works on the 19th century theatre as part of  a comprehensive plan to repair and fully use the theatre, allowing the venue to increase its capacity from 970 to 1,600 audience members.

The planning application was to demolish a former substation, build a part two/part three storey side extension, install a replacement window, doors and stage door at the back of the theatre, refurbish floors, ceilings, the Circle seating area and bar area, install a lift, and electrical and fire alarm systems.

The stained glass windows restoration, and the other work, are part of the £2.78m next phase of restoration of the theatre.

Major renovations are due to start in July.

The trust, under Professor Toulmin, has secured more than £4.4m of external funding so far in their bid to bring the Winter Gardens back into life as a fully functioning entertainment venue.

Funding sources have included the Arts Council DCMS CDF, Pilgrim Trust and UKSPF via Lancaster City Council. 

Read more: Next key phase of Morecambe Winter Gardens restoration plans gets green light - Beyond Radio