Cloister-inspired glazing has been installed in Glastonbury Abbey's café, shop, and visitor admissions buildings, marking a significant milestone in the site's redevelopment.

The newly commissioned glazing, added in December, draws inspiration from Abbot Henry of Blois's mid-12th century cloister, which once stood south of the Great Church. Though the original structure has long been lost, sculptural fragments and archaeological discoveries have informed the design, echoing the medieval craftsmanship that once defined this central part of monastic life where monks gathered for study and quiet reflection.

The design process involved a detailed collaboration between experts. The University of York created precise scans of the surviving fragments, which were then transformed into digital designs by architects Thread. Stained glass specialists Andrew Moor Associates provided further expertise to ensure the historical details translated effectively into glasswork. The final design, produced through an enamel printing process, balances historical authenticity with modern durability.

This glazing installation forms part of the Glastonbury Abbey Piazza project, which is included in the Glastonbury Town Deal. The project has been made possible through funding from the UK Government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Headley Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, and the Benefact Trust.

The redevelopment of the café, shop, and visitor buildings is now approaching completion, with the aim of enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the abbey's historical significance.

In September 2022, Glastonbury secured £23.6 million from the Government's Towns Fund to deliver ten transformative projects, including the Abbey Piazza. These projects, shaped by community input, focus on regeneration and sustainability, aiming to revitalise the town centre and improve local amenities.

Janet Bell MBE, Director of Glastonbury Abbey, said: "The Town Deal Project has provided a wonderful opportunity to develop our visitor entrance into one that truly reflects the abbey's historical, archaeological and spiritual significance."