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Through the stained-glass window: The science, history and conservation of stained glass
When
Wednesday 9 September 2026
12:00 - 13:30
Where
Dunfermline Abbey
Dunfermline Abbey, St Margaret St, Dunfermline KY12 7PE
View directions on Google Maps
Format
In-person
Age
Suitable for ages 16+
Cost
Free to book
About this event
What history and technology tell us about Dunfermline Abbey’s stained-glass windows.
In this interactive workshop, scientist Dr Craig Kennedy and stained-glass artist Vivienne Kelly will touch on both the science of stained glass and the conservation efforts that go into preserving these artworks.
What’s involved?
The workshop will begin with a live demonstration of a technique called X-ray fluorescence, showing how scientists can analyse stained glass and uncover the elements that give it its unique colours.
We’ll then step into the shoes of a conservator and explore some of the challenges facing historic stained-glass windows today. Looking at the curious case of stained-glass fragments that were anonymously returned to the Abbey, participants will take part in a hands-on problem-solving activity to see if they can work out where the pieces originally belonged.
Finally, we’ll wrap up with some information about the different skills, training routes and careers involved in heritage research and conservation, as well as the important role that building owners and communities play in caring for historic places in changing and challenging times.
Attendees can enjoy a self-guided tour of the site’s stained-glass windows throughout the event, with project speakers and Abbey Church guides on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge.
There is also a workshop earlier in the day exploring how we understand underneath the abbey using ground-penetrating radar. You can book tickets here.
Note for attendees: The abbey can get quite cold inside, so we recommend bringing suitable clothing to stay comfortable during the event. Pew seating is available for anyone who would like to take a break or sit down during the event.
This event is at Dunfermline Abbey, not at the festival hub at the RSE. Please note you will need to make your own way to the abbey.
Tickets go live on Thursday 23 July at 11am.
Event type
Curious
Workshop
Contributors
Dr Craig Kennedy
Associate Professor in Building Materials, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Institute for Sustainable Building Design at Heriot Watt University (Edinburgh)Dr Craig Kennedy has a PhD in structural biophysics from Cardiff University, examining the deterioration of collagen within historic parchments. This work married high-end scientific analysis with the practical needs of conservators. He joined Historic Scotland in 2006 and became Head of Science in early 2007 and Senior Conservation Scientist in 2011, supporting and carrying out research into building material decay and conservation. In 2013 he joined Heriot Watt University as a senior lecturer in Building Materials where his research has focused on historic building materials’ provenance, decay mechanisms and conservation, including analysing historic and archaeologically excavated glass from Scotland.
Vivienne Kelly
Stained-Glass Conservator and PhD Student, Heriot Watt UniversityVivienne Kelly trained as a fine artist at the Glasgow School of Art and in Stockholm, where she learned cold-casting techniques for glass. She subsequently worked alongside various ACR-accredited stained glass conservators across England and Scotland. Inspired by this experience, she undertook an MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management at the University of York. She is now pursuing a PhD at Heriot-Watt University, where her research explores the cultural significance of Scotland’s stained glass heritage and the challenges facing the heritage skills sector today.
Contact us
If you have an event enquiry, please email us on public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk.Event testimonial
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What is Curious?
Curious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s (RSE) free festival that celebrates the research, ideas and knowledge shaping society today.
Each year, Curious brings a packed programme of free in-person and online events covering themes from the arts, humanities, policy, science and more. To date, we’ve welcomed over 10,000 attendees for talks, workshops, exhibitions and discussions where you can learn from and speak with Scotland’s leading thinkers. As part of the RSE’s mission to make knowledge useful and accessible for everyone, Curious is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. No specialist knowledge is needed, just bring your curiosity.
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