Saint Alphege Window Appeal Supporter Newsletter: June 2026

Shining Light on Saint Alphege: A New

Stained Glass Window for Bath Abbey

Supporter Newsletter: June 2026

Welcome! In this issue, we’re delighted to bring you an update from commissioned artist, Neil Ireson, on his progress creating the Saint Alphege Window.

Neil takes us behind-the-scenes, sharing details of his activities over the past few months, including his exciting travels to select the extraordinary glass you can see below, and the fascinating techniques Neil will use to simulate dynamic, flowing water within the Saint Alphege Window’s design.

We’re also pleased to shine the spotlight on a generous supporter of the Saint Alphege Window –Benefact Trust – and bring you an update about Bath Abbey’s new Rector, Rev Dr Ian Mills, who will be joining us in the autumn.

A selection of the glorious and utterly unique mouth-blown stained glass selected by commissioned artist, Neil Ireson, for use in the Saint Alphege Window.

From Fire to Water

A Journey from the Glass Kilns of Bavaria to the Spa Waters of Bath

Earlier this month, we were delighted to spend time with Neil Ireson (pictured below-left), the internationally renowned Bath-based stained glass artist commissioned to create the Saint Alphege Window for Bath Abbey.

Neil is hard at work on production of the Saint Alphege Window, so we were honoured to have his company during a rare break in activity, where Neil updated us on progress.

Read on for Neil’s update on his exciting overseas travels to procure the finest glass for the Saint Alphege Window, plus Neil shares fascinating details about the techniques he’ll be using to create the flowing water of the Saint Alphege Window design...

Neil shared with us: “At the end of March, I had a very successful visit to the Glasfabrik Lamberts factory in Bavaria, Germany, to select the mouth-blown glass that’s going to be used extensively in the creation of the new Saint Alphege stained glass window at Bath Abbey.

“Lamberts are the largest manufacturer of mouth-blown glass in Europe, renowned for the first-class quality and exceptional variety of their glass.

“Incredibly, Lamberts produce an extraordinary 5,000 variations of colour for stained glass projects across the globe.”

“I was accompanied on my Bavarian trip by Jack Fisher of Bristol-based Odd Duck Films, who are making a film on behalf of Bath Abbey about the creation of the Saint Alphege Window, from initial conception through to completion of the installation.

Odd Duck Films capturing footage for the Saint Alphege Window film at the ‘Illuminating Saint Alphege’ event at Bath Abbey in October 2025, with ‘Peace Doves’ by Peter Walker Sculptor in the background.

“Lamberts’ glass production is a fascinating and intricate process, using techniques which have remain unchanged for over 100 years. Jack Fisher of Odd Duck Films captured this remarkable production process on camera, and this footage will form an integral part of the Saint Alphege Window film.

“I selected a range of beautiful mouth-blown glass from Lamberts and I’m very happy to share images of some of this glass with you – please see the pictures above and below This stunning and utterly unique glass has been delivered to my Bath studio, where work is progressing well across all aspects of the Saint Alphege Window.”

“An important and highly creative element of my work is technical treatment of the glass.

“For example, the streaky blue glass that’s pictured left will be used to simulate the water pouring from the Fountain of Life depicted in the Saint Alphege Window’s design.

“I can capture water-like qualities of flowing, bubbling and cascading by using techniques such as sandblasting, etching and painting ‘flashed glass’ - whereby colour is applied to just one side of the glass. These are just some of the techniques I’ll be employing to create a vibrant, contemporary and inspirational stained glass window.”

Thank You!

Because of your generosity, Bath Abbey can honour Saint Alphege’s legacy where it all began. By shining new light on Saint Alphege through the creation of a glorious stained glass window, Bath Abbey will commemorate this beloved saint and share his extraordinary story with the world.

Because of your support, the Saint Alphege Window will be cherished in our lifetimes and for generations to come, carrying forward Saint Alphege’s enduring message of generosity and peace.

Supporter Spotlight

In this article, we’re shining the spotlight on a generous supporter of Bath Abbey: Benefact Trust.

Benefact Trust are long-standing partners in Bath Abbey’s work, having awarded an extraordinarily generous £100,000 in grant-funding to support the Abbey’s innovative Footprint Project

Benefact Trust were instrumental to the success of the Footprint Project, and their trusted guidance and positive commitment to our work has long been valued by the Abbey team. We were delighted that Benefact Trust was inspired to further support Bath Abbey’s mission by awarding a generous £9,800 donation to the Saint Alphege Window Appeal through their Building Grants Programme.

We asked Paul Playford, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer (pictured left, participating in Benefact Trust’s Volunteering Day), what inspired Benefact Trust to award a grant to the Saint Alphege Window Appeal.

Paul kindly shared:

“Benefact Trust are delighted to support this excellent project, which will honour Saint Alphege - a beloved Bath-born martyr and former Archbishop of Canterbury - by celebrating his legacy of peace, justice and generosity. The Saint Alphege Window is a remarkable piece of Christian art which will inspire thousands of visitors to Bath Abbey each year, enrich the Abbey’s learning programme and deepen engagement with Christian heritage.

“Benefact Trust’s Building Grants Programme exists to protect and enhance Christian buildings for future generations in the UK and Ireland. As such, the Saint Alphege Window is an excellent fit with the purposes of this programme. Benefact Trust were very pleased to support the fundraising appeal with a £9,800 grant and help bring this enduring tribute to Saint Alphege to life.”

Since 1972, Benefact Trust has awarded over £330 million to Christian organisations in the UK & Ireland dedicated to supporting communities of all faiths and none. Benefact Trust’s aim is to drive positive social change by empowering those who make a difference. Christian communities are at the heart of their giving, although the impact of what Benefact Trust does reaches much further. To find out more, visit www.benefacttrust.co.uk

Pictured above-right: Benefact Trust team and trustees celebrating their heritage partnership with the Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowship

Abbey News: Ian Mills to be Rector of Bath Abbey

It has been announced that the Revd Dr Ian Mills, pictured right, is to be the next Rector of Bath Abbey. Ian is currently the Rector of Benefice of Chew Valley West and Area Dean of Chew Magna in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. Ian is expected to take on his new role in the autumn.

Reacting to his appointment, Ian said, “I am thrilled and honoured to have been invited to come and serve God as Rector of Bath Abbey. The Abbey is a remarkable place of prayer, worship and welcome and I look forward with gratitude to working with colleagues to serve its congregation, community and visitors in the years ahead.”

For more information, visit our news story on the Bath Abbey website here: https://www.bathabbey.org/ianmills-to-be-next-rector-of-bath-abbey/

The Saint Alphege Window: Next Steps…

Installation of the Saint Alphege Window, pictured left, is planned for winter 2026. During this time, Abbey visitors will have the rare opportunity to watch the Saint Alphege Window being installed by Neil Ireson and his expert team. Alphege-inspired tours, family trails, and engaging learning activities are planned, which will weave the story and values of Saint Alphege into Abbey life, enhancing worship, enriching the visitor experience, and offering fresh interpretation of Bath Abbey’s fascinating heritage.

As a valued supporter of the Saint Alphege Window Appeal, we look forward to sending you regular updates as Neil Ireson creates the new window, along with invitations to exclusive events, including a special celebration to mark its installation in Bath Abbey.

If you have any questions regarding this newsletter or the Saint Alphege Window, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Do just get in touch with Cath Foxwell, our Fundraising & Development Manager, using cfoxwell@bathabbey.org or Tel: 01225 303314 (Direct Line).

REGISTERED OFFICE: The Abbey Office, 9 Kingston Buildings, Bath BA1 1LT TEL: 01225 422462 EMAIL: office@bathabbey.org WEB: www.bathabbey.org Charity registration number: 1134081