Exeter purchases stained glass created by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris

Through the generosity of 27 alumni, parents, and friends, Exeter College has now been able to purchase some stained glass windows created by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris – two of the College’s most acclaimed alumni – from St Benet’s Church, Kentish Town. The purchase was completed on Tuesday 8 March and the windows were collected by Chapel Studios the next day for conservation work.

The windows were commissioned by marine engineer Alfred Burgess, father of the Victorian artist William Burgess, in memory of civil engineer James Cooper. They were designed by Edward Burne-Jones and executed in 1863 at the Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and Co Works. Their purchase has been a great aspiration of the College as they not only celebrate our heritage but tangibly link the historic and new quadrangles. No doubt John Ruskin would also have approved of such art being displayed on the former site of Ruskin College!

Alison Brooks and her team of architects are now working on the design for their installation. They will be placed in the corridor adjacent to the Special Collections Reading Room, near the Learning Commons at the heart of Cohen Quad. This way, not only will they enhance their immediate vicinity but they will also be seen by all our students, fellows, and visitors who come to learn more about our Special Collections and archives.

Exeter College is now looking to secure the final £15,000 towards the costs of purchasing and installing the windows and looking forward to seeing the designs for their installation.