Wightwick Manor and Gardens invites art enthusiasts and history buffs alike to delve into the captivating world of stained glass artistry with their latest exhibition, ‘Out of Darkness Cometh Light’, set to open its doors to the public on Saturday 6 April 2024.

Inspired by the motto of Wolverhampton, "Out of Darkness Cometh Light" the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the intricate processes behind the creation of arts and crafts stained glass. Visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to feast their eyes on never-before-seen designs from some of the Pre-Raphaelite greats, shedding light on the evolution of this timeless art form.

‘Out of Darkness Cometh Light’ features a stunning collection of 10 works on paper which include preparatory watercolour designs, sketches, and pastels by eminent artists of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and their associates, in addition to stained glass fragments.

"The Mander family who lived at Wightwick loved preparatory sketches and designs, seeing them as works of art in their own right," states Lily Purslow, Collections Assistant and Co-Curator of the exhibition. "This exhibition pays homage to their appreciation for the intricate beauty of stained glass and its creative process."

The exhibition, set to run until 24 December 2024, offers a comprehensive exploration of stained glass from medieval to mainstream. William Morris, a trailblazer in the revival of stained glass artistry, established Morris, Marshall Faulkner & Co. in 1861, producing windows of unparalleled quality and design, some of which can be seen at Wightwick.

"Morris's stained glass windows were often mistaken for Medieval originals, testament to his exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision," explains Emily Beynon, Collections Assistant and Co-Curator. "We invite visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and craftsmanship of his work, and that of his contemporaries”.

The exhibition also highlights the collaborative nature of stained glass creation, showcasing the contributions of renowned artists such as Edward Burne Jones, Ford Madox Brown, and Phillip Webb. These artists, under Morris's guidance, brought his designs to life, infusing them with luminosity and depth.

Alongside this exhibition, Wightwick Manor and Gardens continues its commitment to conservation through the ongoing ‘Big MEND’ project at Wightwick, funded by a grant from Arts Council England. By the end of 2026, this project aims to repair the timber framework, reinstate lead flashing, repair sills and frames to windows, repair and repoint chimneys and rainwater goods, relay roof slopes and much more. This work is being phased over three years, between 2023/24 to 2025/26.

The National Trust are now busy preparing for Phase 2 which started in March 2024, and will see some of the Great Parlour’s stained-glass windows undergo conservation work.

The exhibition ‘Out of Darkness Cometh Light’ will be on display in the Daisy Room in Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton, from Saturday 6 April to December 2024. Find out more about Wightwick Manor at nationaltrust.org.uk.