COVENTRY CATHEDRAL GLASS SCREEN DAMAGED DURING MUSIC EVENT SETUP

Deep cracks have appeared in one of the large angels etched into John Hutton's west screen at Coventry Cathedral following a major music event. The damage occurred when a ladder used for lighting rigging struck the glass panels. The west screen, a series of engraved glass panels, is regarded as a 20th-century masterpiece.

The incident has raised concerns about the risks posed by hosting external events at cathedrals. Such events represent a significant source of revenue for cathedral institutions. The damage to the engraving highlights the potential consequences of increased use of cathedral spaces for purposes beyond traditional religious and ceremonial functions.

The cathedral has not yet confirmed details of the repair process or costs associated with restoring the damaged glass panel. Officials have not publicly stated whether additional safety measures will be implemented for future events held within the building. The incident underscores the tension between generating income through venue hire and protecting the fabric of historic structures.