Sign up for ICON stained glass group conference 2026

Tickets are available for this year’s ICON stained glass group conference, titled ‘Data, Damage, and Decision-Making: The Next Era of Stained Glass Conservation’.

The event takes place from 10–11 October 2026 at The Hospitium, Museum Gardens in York, UK. York is particularly appropriate to host the conference as a feasibility study is currently under way to mark it as an ‘International City of Stained Glass’.

This year’s theme looks to the future, considering how the field of stained glass conservation may change for the next generation of conservators in an increasingly globalised world. In a time of rapid technological advancement, environmental change and political instability, what new challenges may stained glass conservators face?

Exploring themes of technology, sustainability, documentation, craftsmanship, and heritage care, the programme brings together leading practitioners and researchers to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the profession’s future.

Speakers include:

Brianne Van Vorst: From Documentation to Site Work: Saving Time and Sanity with Digital Technology in Stained Glass Conservation Projects;

Margot Steurbaut: The Past as Inspiration for the Future: Historical Glass Paint Preparation as a Viable Response to Supply Chain Instability;

Jasmine Allen & Isabelle Davies: ‘Preserving a Stained Glass Legacy’ at the Stained Glass Museum: Decision-making based on cross-collection issues;

Aurelia Fernandes: Set In Stone – Documentation as a Cornerstone of Conservation for South Asia’s Coloured Glass Fitted Jalis;

Caroline Holmriis Steffansen: Cold Paint in a World of Global Warming;

Adrianna Polcyn: 3D Scanning Advancements – Utilising Gaussian Splatting as a new framework for digital preservation of stained glass;

Bronwen Stone: A Window onto the Medieval World;

Christian Baierl: Mouth-Blown and Hand-Cast Flat Glass – traditional craftsmanship looking to the future.

New this year is a panel discussion allowing a more informal exploration of the future of stained glass conservation. There will also be a ‘Shards of Glass’ session during a tea break, providing attendees with an opportunity to raise stained glass topics for informal discussion, knowledge sharing and collaborative problem solving.

There will also be opportunities to tour some of York’s most significant stained glass heritage, including York Minster and All Saints, North Street.

Saturday 10 October: 9.00am-5.00pm + optional York Minster visit, Quiz & Dinner (additional fee)

Sunday 11 October: 9.00am-2.00pm + optional visit to All Saints, North Street.

Check the website for further details and to book a place.

Image: Detail of work on a stained glass window. Photo: ICON.