CONTEXT 177 : SEPTEMBER 2023 55 a general description of the subject entitled ‘The history and iconography of the stained glass in the Diocese of Hereford’ (the diocese includes much of Shropshire) and a gazetteer in which the glass of individual churches is described. The history section deals first with the art of glassmaking itself, and then with what little is known of the glaziers and glassmaking sites, and the rather better evidence of the patrons of early glass. In this and the subsequent chronological sections he comments constructively on the work of previous writers on the subject. He draws interesting comparisons from outside the survey area, and includes references to glass that is now located elsewhere. The period covered by the book is considerably wider than can be construed from the term medieval. Of necessity in a review of the heritage that remains to us, the later history of the glass’s Conservation From specialist consultancy to the complete delivery of complex conservation and restoration projects. Paye Conservation offers a bespoke service to private clients, architects, trusts and bodies. Protection Stonework – Restoration – Major Projects To discuss a potential project, please contact: Robert Greer E robertgreer@paye.net T 020 8857 9111 PAYE.NET Architecture Conservation Heritage Repair Change call on 01295 702600 email architects@acanthusclews.co.uk Learn about us at www.acanthusclews.co.uk recording, removal and restoration must also be recorded. Hence the text frequently forges into the events of later periods. The gazetteer is nicely handled, with each location at which medieval glass has been identified being accorded a description proportionate to its scale and importance. The places with more substantial descriptions, such as Abbey Dore, Eaton Bishop, Hereford Cathedral, Ledbury and Ludlow, include considerable crossreferencing and comparisons with other sites within the scope of the book as well as those further away. The book is lavishly furnished with high-quality illustrations sufficiently detailed to see precisely the points being made in the text. The windows requiring the most detailed explanations are separated into text boxes for easy location and reference. The extent of the research is prodigious, with details of what is known about each window set out with great clarity. While there is no problem locating all the places covered by the book, its structure is slightly confusing. The book’s title and map suggest that it covers the two modern ceremonial counties, but the preface makes clear that the emphasis is diocesan. The map, on the other hand, has a diocesan boundary on its eastern side and a county boundary on its western one. The parts of Shropshire not in Hereford Diocese are confined to an appendix in which four locations that properly should have been in the main gazetteer are misplaced. But these are minor quibbles about a scholarly and authoritative book. A reference book rather than a handbook, it is very nicely produced. It should be on the shelves of anyone interested in the cultural heritage of the Marches and must surely have the effect of increasing interest in this previously neglected topic. James Caird
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