Accessibility statement

Merlyn

  • From: Darlington, UK
  • Studying: MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management (full-time)

What are your research interests / what are you working on?

"I am currently working on the conservation of a stained glass panel as part of the Advanced Techniques module. Each student is assigned a historic panel, and is expected to manage their own conservation project from start to finish. Some of the tasks include writing the initial condition report, deciding upon a treatment methodology, and carrying out the conservation process. This is a brilliant introduction to the practicalities of the job and provides us with the occasion to understand how a conservation project would be undertaken in a studio. This is an extremely good opportunity that draws upon all of the knowledge gained from the MA, and is brilliant experience upon which to build in the future."

What modules have been most fascinating and why?

"One of the great things about the MA is the wealth of modules, which come from a range of fields of study. These include history of art, heritage management, conservation history and practical stained glass conservation, and are very varied and informative. As mentioned in the previous question, the Advanced Techniques module has been very worthwhile. As well as being the module in which we undertake a practical project, it also focuses on the theory and research surrounding the technical side of stained glass conservation. It entails in-depth research into historic and contemporary practice, including the science of materials, methods and also the consequences of certain types of earlier (and thankfully now redundant!) conservation treatments, and how to manage them today."

What background do you come to HoA from and why HoA?

"I came from a background in Fine Art, and after completing a BTEC Diploma in Foundation Art and Design in 2008, was ready to study a more academic approach to the subject. I graduated from York with a BA (Hons) in History of Art in 2011, a degree that I really enjoyed. During this course, I discovered a real passion for stained glass, and in my final year studied a module called ‘Stained Glass in the Great church’ with Tim Ayers. I had a bit of a light bulb moment after visiting Bedern Studio and seeing the work of York Glaziers Trust in action, and from that day I knew that stained glass conservation was the path I wanted to follow. It was at this time that I contacted Sarah Brown, the Director of the MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management at York, and applied for a place on the course. My application was accepted, and I began the MA in October 2013."

Why York rather than somewhere else?

"There are only three places in Europe that offer a Masters in Stained Glass Conservation, and the only one in the UK happens to be in York. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate place in which to offer this, as York has such a wealth of stained glass, and the lecturers at the University are leading experts on its history and conservation. The University if so welcoming, and after having spent three years studying within the department as an Undergraduate, I was very happy with the approach to teaching and the facilities on offer to students. The conservation studio within the University is exceptionally good too. It is well stocked with materials and apparatus, and is a space we are encouraged to utilize whenever we can. I have been very fortunate to be able to study in a city that I love, and one that is such a lively hub of stained glass activity."

Do you find there’s a strong group atmosphere among the students?

"The intake is limited to eight students per year, and as the course is two years long, we are able to nurture really close bonds. With York being a nucleus of stained glass conservation, and with many conservators being graduates of the MA, there is a real sense of community. Every year there are two Masterclasses held at the University, where international experts come and give lectures on stained glass conservation, and these are brilliant opportunities for students to get involved, to hear about new research and to meet people in this field."

What’s the level of support like from staff and the department as a whole, are they receptive to feedback?

"I have found everyone to be really supportive. It is so rewarding to be part of a department where the teachers know their students well, and where you are able to approach them for guidance. Essay feedback is really constructive, and the marking is very fair. There is a lot of scope for research, and the tutors are very generous with their knowledge and are brilliant at offering advice and assistance."

What’s been your favourite study trip and why?

"There are a number of day trips throughout the course, and in the ‘Art and Imagery in York Minster’ module, the majority of the seminars are held within this magnificent building, which makes learning about it that bit more special. In one of the two years of study, every student has the chance to go on a week-long study trip abroad. In the Easter vacation of my first year, we went to Catalonia, and spent the week visiting Girona, Tarragona and Barcelona. We visited churches, cathedrals, monasteries and stained glass studios, and we all learned so much about an the glass and its context. We were guided by international experts, and were able to fully engage with them, which was a really amazing experience. In other years, there have been trips to France and Germany, and there are always opportunities to explore parts of the buildings that are not open to the public – we went up onto a cathedral roof, which was quite spectacular!"

Are you involved in any society or community-based activity in York outside your studies?

"I often help out at the lectures and events that are run by or in conjunction with the course, which I really enjoy doing. I also spend some time volunteering at The Stained Glass Centre at St. Martin-cum-Gregory church. This is run by The Stained Glass Trust, and encourages the study and appreciation of the medium, with open days; lectures, workshops, exhibitions etc open to the public on certain days throughout the year. This is a great resource for encouraging visitors to explore and participate in stained glass, and is lovely to be a part of."

Have you undertaken any work experience during your master’s? Has the department supported you in career planning?

"One of the most fantastic things about the MA is that for four months at the end of the first year of study, each student goes on a practical placement to a conservation studio. This really is an exceptional experience, and provides a solid 16-weeks of hands-on work within a real conservation studio. This not only provides a huge amount of practical training, but also cements all of the knowledge gained on the course so far. I went to York Glaziers Trust for my placement and worked on some incredible projects, including the Great East Window of York Minster, a new commission, and a 20th century Geoffrey Clarke panel for the Stained Glass Museum in Ely. Other students have been to studios in Belgium, Germany, and the United States, and everyone comes back to the second year of study with really relevant and varied knowledge, which is great to share."

Do you have an idea of how you’ll use your degree/plans for the future?

"My degree is a solid foundation on which to build a career in stained glass conservation. I have learned so much in the last two years, and I would love my knowledge to evolve alongside the new advances in the field.

My dream is to become a stained glass conservator, and after experiencing this at YGT, it has shown me that this is the career for me, and how dedicated I am to following this dream. I absolutely love what I do, and I still have so much to learn. It is such a fantastic field and I feel so fortunate every day that I have had the opportunity to embark on relevant training in order to kick start what I hope will be a long career as a conservator!"

(c) York Glaziers Trust