Coventry Cathedral's John Hutton west screen cracked during music event setup

A panel of John Hutton's west screen at Coventry Cathedral was damaged on 22 May when a ladder used by the Illuminated Orchestra to set up lighting for a concert of 'dark fantasy film music' was knocked against it by a gust of wind. The west screen, featuring 66 hand-engraved saints and angels, is considered a 20th-century masterpiece commissioned by architect Sir Basil Spence. The damage has raised concerns about the risks of hosting outside events in historic cathedrals. Professor Louise Campbell, an authority on the cathedral, has called for a pause in the events programme to review protection measures. The cathedral's acting dean, Canon Kate Massey, confirmed the accident and stated that specialist advice has been taken and the panel will be restored later this year. In 2020, another panel was smashed during a burglary.