For over a thousand years, glass artists have ‘painted with light’, filling our cathedrals and churches with beautiful works of art. Stained glass windows represent a unique record of people’s beliefs and what was important to them. Canterbury Cathedral has some of the oldest and finest stained glass windows in Europe and many of its windows are of international historical importance.

This new book targeted at young people sheds fresh light on Canterbury Cathedral’s world-renowned stained glass windows. Paintings in Light has been written and designed by best-selling children’s educational author Martyn Barr and published in association with the cathedral. As well as focusing on the wealth of medieval and ‘modern’ windows, readers may be surprised to encounter pictures of volcanoes, fibre optics and rockets in the book, as it seeks to cover the topics from a young person’s perspective. But, like all Martyn Barr’s books, this guide will appeal to all ages!

Paintings in Light offers a fascinating insight into the history of glass, how stained glass windows are made, the different types of window in the cathedral and the amazing stories they tell. The book also highlights the work of Canterbury Cathedral’s Stained Glass Window Studio, which oversees the repair and preservation of the windows.

Paintings in Light is available NOW. You can buy copies from our online store priced £5.99 including FREE postage and packing.

“Martyn has the gift of seeing things with fresh eyes – and to transmit that sense of discovery and excitement to the reader. The book is filled with unexpected details – sometimes funny, sometimes all too human, and sometimes downright gory - that make you want to get out those binoculars and go on your own journey of exploration through the stained glass.”

Léonie Seliger, Director of Stained Glass, Canterbury Cathedral