Jewellery donations helping to save cathedral's stained glass windows

Jewellery donations from women in the Midlands are helping to save Lichfield Cathedral's spectacular Lady Chapel windows.

The renaissance glass windows were brought to Lichfield from their original home in the Flemish Abbey of Herkenrode in 1802 and are some of the finest stained glass windows in Europe.

Last month, invited women from across the Midlands were invited to come to the cathedral to donate pieces of jewellery that they no longer use.

The donated jewellery is valued at around £25,000 and came from former relationships, inheritances and friends and relatives.

The cathedral also used the day to celebrate womanhood and reflect on memories, love, relationships and life’s experience.

The gifted jewellery is going towards a fund set up to carry out urgent repair and conservation work on the Lady Chapel windows.

Everyone who made an offering was asked to sign a book which will form part of the Cathedral’s archives.

Lesley Smith, the creator of the event commented: “In such a difficult economic climate it was extraordinary to see such generosity as people came together in Lichfield Cathedral for the Treasure for Treasure event.

"It was very moving as wedding and engagement rings were given up alongside silver cutlery sets and paintings.

"Whole families came representing all walks of life to help save a wonderful jewel.

"The service, celebrating the lives of women and their families, was about reconciliation, love and friendship and will be remembered by all who were there."

The event was supported by Atkinson’s The Jewellers of Sutton Coldfield, an independent, family business, and Christie’s of London, which valued the jewellery.

The Very Rev Adrian Dorber said: “Treasure for Treasure was a remarkable and moving event.

"It was marvelous to see how generously and thoughtfully people made their contributions and to listen to some of the stories and reminiscences associated with some of the donated items.

"Many experienced the service as a time for healing difficult or painful memories; others saw it as a time to be glad for the gifts of life and love. It was a memorable day.”

To donate please visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org