Rothesay Trinity Church
Name of Building: Rothesay Trinity Church
Location: Rothesay, Isle of Bute PA20 9HA
Listing: Category B
Project: There are 3 main stained glass windows within the church. The first stained glass window is by Scottish artist, Oscar Paterson and it is a 1st World War memorial window installed after 1919. The Inscription says – “to the Glory of God and to honour our members who suffered and served in the War 1914 – 1919”. It is filled with strong empowering imagery. The second window is a Provost Munn memorial window. It is possible that it is also by Oscar Paterson. Finally, the third one is a 2nd World War Memorial window by Gordon Webster. The remainder of the windows is clear leaded lights deteriorated at various levels.
Conservation Approach: The Oscar Paterson window required removal for full conservation as it was severely bulged and unstable. The second Paterson window suffered from paint loss to a level where the missing painted areas needed to be re-instated to improve the visual appearance and required protection. It was crucial to preserve the remaining paint so it has been decided to re-install the 2 lancets within an Isothermal Glazing system. The Isothermal Glazing system prevents from further deterioration of the original painted work. Regarding the Webster window, minimal conservation principles have been applied with an on-site cleaning of the window and monitoring.
Before
Provost Dunn window, before conservation
Detailed photographs of light b of Provost Dunn window, obvious paint loss particularly on characters faces, transmitted light, before conservation.
Angel, light a of Provost Dunn window, transmitted light, before conservation.
Angel, light a of Provost Dunn window, transmitted light, before conservation.
Detailed photograph of Provost Dunn window showing evidence of paint loss, transmitted light, before conservation.
After
Top section of the Provost Munn window installed, transmitted light, after conservation.
Lower section of the Provost Munn window installed, transmitted light, after conservation.
Detailed photograph of angels from Provost Dunn window, transmitted light, after conservation.
Provost Dunn window during installation with outer protective glazing system in place, after conservation.
Detailed photograph of angels from Provost Dunn window, transmitted light, after conservation.
Provost Dunn window framed with bronze channels, air gap at top, after conservation.
Provost Dunn window, viewed from outside with its protective glazing system in place, after conservation.
Detailed photograph of back paint plating, after conservation.
Detailed photograph of Provost Dunn window framed with bronze channels, internal finish, after conservation.