MP in calls to return iconic window (From Dudley News)

MP in calls to return iconic window

10:10am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

DUDLEY North MP Ian Austin has launched a campaign to restore a stained glass memorial to Winston Churchill, which dominated the town centre for many years.

The iconic tribute, made up of 17 glass panels, featured in the town’s newly-built Churchill Precinct from 1969 until 1991.

However after weather damage and vandalism caused bits of glass break off, the mural was eventually removed with the undamaged panels stored in the cellars of Himley Hall, where they remain.

Now more than two decades later, Mr Austin MP is calling for the window to be restored in time to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Prime Minister’s death in 2015 and is hoping to meet with glass experts, council officials and residents to bring his idea to life.

Ian Austin MP said: “No-one who grew up in Dudley could forget the magnificent memorial to Winston Churchill. I can’t remember the number of times I stood under the panels but I’ll never forget the impact they had on me.

“It is this era – described by Churchill as our finest hour – that defines Britain today and allows us to claim a special and unique to the values of freedom, tolerance and democracy.”

The window, built by sculptor Edward Bainbridge Copnall, took two years to make and illustrated Churchill’s life, with scenes from World War II, the Battle of Britain, the Desert War and the Battle of the Atlantic.

Sir Winston Churchill was shown in the centre dressed in ceremonial robes, flanked by panels showing the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral.