The Wilford Archive
The Gyles Windows in the Blue Hall
As a precaution against damage from air raids during the Second World War, the stained-glass panels were removed for safekeeping and stored in the Thicket Priory cellar at Thorganby, Sir John Dunnington-Jefferson's home.
Almost certainly, the arrangement to store the glass there arose through the association of Arthur Gladwin - a Merchant Taylor and Chief General Manager of Yorkshire Insurance, with the latter’s Chairman, Sir John.
The window was further restored by Peter Gibson of the York Glaziers Trust in the 1970s
The 1662 ‘Buckton’ window - in the long wall
The stained-glass panel was painted in 1662 and is the earliest known work of Henry Gyles, the famous York glass painter - born in Micklegate, York in 1646 (died 1709). Henry Gyles was largely responsible for the revival of glass painting in England after the Civil War, along with religious imagery.
The Window was the gift of Simon Buckton, the first Master to serve under the Charles II Charter of 1662, which incorporated the Company of Merchant Taylors in the City of York. Henry Gyles’ initials appear under the motto, forming part of the arms of the London Company of Merchant Taylors.
Until 2008, the ‘Gyles’ panel was high up at the top of the window and hence was difficult to see. In the centre (far more prominently) was the panel to record the 1862 restoration when Christopher Annakin was Master. For the Gyles panel to be better appreciated, English Heritage’s approval was sought to relocate it lower down. Their approval was obtained when, with Keith Barley’s help, it was possible to convince English Heritage that the Panel was not in its original position.
In relocating the panel, the opportunity was taken to restore the glass, remove some of the repair leads, and set it in front of a clear glass panel with a ventilated air gap between to provide isothermic protection for the painted glass and avoid damage from the elements and condensation.
Keith Barley carried out the restoration and repair work, and Helen Whittaker, his very talented glass painter, designed and painted the additional (third) panel to record the 2008 restoration. Its design mimics the design of the panel recording the earlier restoration but is in a more modern style. The expense of the 2008 work was met by a generous benefaction from a Merchant, Taylor, who wished to remain anonymous.
The 1701 ‘Queen Anne’ window - in the end wall
The bust is of Queen Anne, and the Arms are those of the London Company of Merchant Taylors. It is signed by Gyles at the bottom right.
The date of 1679 refers to the completion of the restoration of their London Hall following the Great Fire of 1666; the mystery is why the glass is in York and not in London!
Above the angel at the foot of the window is the extraordinary descriptive panel claiming that
‘This Company has beene dignified in the yeare 1679 by having in their Fraternity, eight Kings, eleven Dukes, thirty Earles and fortyfour Lords’.
Neither the York Company nor the London Company of Merchant Taylors recognise any such claim.
GAW – 1/3/18
