Damage to John Hutton’s West Screen at Coventry Cathedral
Deep cracks have appeared in one of the large angel figures etched into John Hutton’s west screen of glass panels at Coventry Cathedral following a major music event.
The incident has raised concerns that the growing number of cathedrals hosting external events, which are significant sources of revenue, may pose risks to some of the UK’s most important religious architectural heritage.
The west screen, regarded as a 20th-century masterpiece, features 66 larger-than-life saints and angels designed and hand-engraved by Hutton. It was commissioned by the cathedral’s architect, Sir Basil Spence, whose monumental post-war building incorporates the ruins of the original 14th-century cathedral, destroyed during the Second World War.
Historical and Artistic Significance
Jennifer Alexander, a professor of architectural history at Warwick University, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the etched panels when they were first unveiled.
“Nobody had ever done anything on that scale before,”
she said, highlighting the unique scale and craftsmanship of Hutton’s work.
Details of the Incident
The damage occurred on 22 May while the Illuminated Orchestra was setting up for a concert featuring "dark fantasy film music." This ensemble is known for performing regularly in historic buildings.
Kellija Moncaka, the musical director of the orchestra, explained that the damage resulted from an accident involving a ladder used to install lighting equipment.
“It was purely an accident of a gust of wind … when we were setting up,”
“I saw the cathedral staff cover up the screen straight after.”
Concerns from Experts
Professor Louise Campbell, a leading authority on Coventry Cathedral, expressed her concerns about the damage in communications with colleagues.
“The cathedral has not publicised this, perhaps because it occurred during one of the events which bring in revenue, or perhaps because there was some failure of supervision,”
she wrote in an email.
Speaking to , she elaborated on the risks posed by the cathedral’s events programme.
“The cathedral, in order to earn money, has events – not only its own events – but it hosts events from outside organisers, anything from pop concerts to drama. I’ve always been rather worried about the impact of these events. Clearly something went very wrong in May.”
Professor Campbell is calling for a pause in the cathedral’s events schedule to review measures to protect Hutton’s delicate artwork.
Previous Damage and Restoration Challenges
In 2020, another large angel panel was smashed during a burglary when two men threw a brick through the glass and stole a charity collection box.
Professor Campbell noted that while a highly skilled engraver could reproduce the damaged Gabriel figure, repeated damage risks creating a disjointed appearance.
“If you weigh up what you earn from events against what you’re actually having to spend on putting right the damage, it’s crazy,”
she said, underscoring the financial and cultural costs of such incidents.
Cathedral’s Response
Canon Kate Massey, the acting dean of Coventry Cathedral, confirmed the damage and provided a statement regarding the incident.
“We can confirm that a panel of the iconic John Hutton west screen was damaged at an event earlier this year. It was an unfortunate accident caused by a ladder being knocked against it and it was distressing for all involved. Coventry Cathedral is a much-loved building which sits at the heart of our city and community.
Part of being a living cathedral means that it’s our joy and privilege to welcome people into the cathedral through a diverse and engaging calendar of services and events whilst caring for the priceless art that our cathedral holds. We have taken specialist advice and are looking forward to the panel being restored later this year.”
