The science, history and conservation of stained glass. What history and technology tell us about Dunfermline Abbey’s stained-glass windows.

This interactive workshop, led by 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.

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.

Please note: The abbey can get quite cold inside, so we recommend bringing suitable clothing to stay comfortable 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.

There is also another workshop taking place later in the day, exploring how we understand what lies beneath the abbey using ground-penetrating radar. You can book tickets here.

Important points to note

This event is suitable for age 16+

Event format: This event is a workshop and may involve some audience interaction. This could involve group activities, individual activities, quizzes or hands-on activities.

Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed.

SPEAKER

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 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.

SPEAKER

Vivianne Kelly

Stained-Glass Conservator and PhD Student, Heriot-Watt University

Vivianne trained as a fine artist at the Glasgow School of Art and in Stockholm, where she learnt how to cold-cast glass. From there, she went to the National Museum of Scotland, where she gained valuable experience as a conservator. She then worked for ICON-accredited conservator Linda Cannon, helping with the conservation of a church in the Scottish Highlands. Inspired, she undertook an MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management at York University and 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 it faces today.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 5 − Sunday 13 September 2026!

Curious is Scotland’s annual festival of knowledge. Across its seven-year history, Curious has welcomed over 10,000 attendees into its yearly programme of talks, workshops, discussions and exhibitions – all covering different topics and subject areas. There’s no need for you to have any prior specialist knowledge before coming along, just bring your curious self! With plenty of events both in person and online, you can take part from anywhere.

You can check out the full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact curious@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website.

Step-free access: Ramped access into the main Church is available via the main front door.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelch

Description supplied by the event organiser.