Thomas Willement

author

Thomas Willement

1786–1871

Best known as a pioneer of Britain’s stained-glass revival, he helped bring medieval techniques back into fashion during the Victorian era. He was also a writer on heraldry, combining scholarship with a busy career making windows for churches, great houses, and royal settings.

1 Audiobook

A concise account of the principal works in stained glass that have been executed by Thomas Willement of London, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries

A concise account of the principal works in stained glass that have been executed by Thomas Willement of London, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries

by Thomas Willement

About the author

Born in London in 1786, Thomas Willement became one of the leading stained-glass artists of the 19th century. He is often remembered as the "father of Victorian stained glass" because he played such an important part in reviving older, medieval methods at a time when Gothic taste was returning to favor.

His work ranged from new designs to major restorations, and he received commissions for churches, country houses, and important historic buildings. Alongside his artistic career, he also wrote about heraldry, an interest that shaped much of his decorative style and made him especially valued for armorial glass.

Willement remained active for decades and later worked from Faversham in Kent. He died in 1871, leaving behind a body of work that helped define the look of Victorian stained glass in Britain.