Historian and CovSoc member, Peter James, tells us about John Thornton, Coventry’s most famous glazier! Peter writes……
John Thornton of Coventry stands as one of the most renowned glaziers of medieval England, celebrated for his masterful stained-glass artistry of the early 15th century. He reached the height of his fame with the commission and creation of the Great East Window in York Minster – one of Europe’s largest and most impressive medieval stained-glass windows. This monumental project not only secured his reputation but also influenced stained glass design and artistry throughout the Midlands and Northern England.
Great East Window at York Minster
In 1405, John Thornton of Coventry was commissioned to install and glaze a window in the Lady Chapel at York Minster by Walter Skirlaw – Bishop of Durham. Having been a Bishop in Coventry it is safe to assume that this is where he became aware of John Thornton and his outstanding talents. At the time the Great East Window was the largest stained-glass window in the world.
Contract
The Dean of York and the Chapter who advised him signed a contract with John Thornton : “And obliging himself with his own hands to portraiture the said window with historical images and other painted work in the best manner and form he possibly could and likewise to paint the same where the need required according to the ordination of the Dean and Chapter”
Project Responsibilities
Thornton’s contract details reveal the scope of his expertise and the trust placed in his leadership. His responsibilities extended beyond painting. He was the project manager overseeing a large number of craftsmen whose tasks included :-
- Designing the overall composition and imagery
- Supervising the cutting, painting, firing and assembly of glass pieces.
- Ensuring the work met the architectural and artistic requirements.
- Guaranteeing completion dates and acceptable quality.
Payment Terms
Incentives were provided by staged payments. John was paid four shillings sterling per week and one hundred shillings each year. At the end of the contract the Dean and Chapter reserved the right to pay him ten pounds in silver.
Completion
The work was completed on time after three years in 1408. Just two years later in 1410 John Thornton described as a ‘glacyer’ was added to the Freemen’s Register of York allowing him to operate in the city.
Plan of the Great East Window at York Minster
The Great East Window is the largest medieval stained-glass window in Britain. It stands 78 feet tall, 32 feet wide and contains 311 panels. It tells the story of the world from its beginning as told in the book of Genesis to its end described in the book of Revelations. The arched section of the window depicts God the Father and the company of Heaven. The next three rows show scenes from the Old Testament followed by the largest section underneath containing nine rows featuring the Apocalypse. The bottom row is dedicated to historical figures including the benefactor- Bishop Skirlaw.
Very little is known about the early life of John Thornton. The earliest mention was of him being holder of a tenement in Coventry in 1371. Much later in 1411 he signed a 60-year lease agreement for a property in the St. John’s Bridges area (the Burges) in Coventry. The Burges was land between the river bridges, in this instance those crossing the River Sherborne and Radford Brook. While renting a property at Stonegate, York in 1433 he received a further payment from the Dean and Chapter of York. This was possibly for the St. William window at York Minster or a window called the “Pricke of Conscience” in All Saints Church in York depicting the last 15 days of the world.
Other Works attributed to John Thornton
The East Window in the chancel of Great Malvern Priory is the largest of any parish church in England. John Thornton is said to be the glazier due to similar styling seen at York Minster. His realistic portrayal of faces with bulbous noses, curved elongated eyelids and wide-eyed expressions are key to recognising his work.
The North window in St. Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry is also attributed to John Thornton. Some windows from Coventry Cathedral were removed before the Blitz in 1940 and are on display at a museum there.
Summary
John Thornton’s expertise and management on the Great East Window project in York launched him to the forefront of medieval English glazing. Through innovation, artistry and skilled supervision he established standards that shaped the future of stained glass in England.