COVENTRY — Deep cracks appeared in a glass panel of John Hutton's west screen at Coventry Cathedral on May 22 after a ladder was knocked against it during concert preparations. The damage occurred while the Illuminated Orchestra was setting up for a concert.

Kellija Moncaka, musical director, stated that the damage was caused when a ladder used to put up lighting was struck by a gust of wind. "It was purely an accident of a gust of wind … when we were setting up," Moncaka said. She added, "I saw the cathedral staff cover up the screen straight after."

Canon Kate Massey, the acting dean of Coventry Cathedral, confirmed the incident. "We can confirm that a panel of the iconic John Hutton west screen was damaged at an event earlier this year," Massey said. She added, "It was an unfortunate accident caused by a ladder being knocked against it and it was distressing for all involved."

Coventry Cathedral has taken specialist advice regarding the damage. The cathedral plans to restore the damaged panel later this year. The west screen features 66 larger-than-life saints and angels, designed and hand-engraved by Hutton, and was commissioned by architect Sir Basil Spence.

In 2020, another angel panel on the west screen was smashed during a burglary, when two men hurled a brick through it and stole a charity collection-box. Prof Louise Campbell, a leading authority on Coventry Cathedral, is asking for the cathedral's events programme to be paused to review how to protect Hutton's work. Campbell stated that a highly skilled engraver could reproduce the damaged Gabriel figure.

"The cathedral, in order to earn money, has events – not only its own events – but it hosts events from outside organisers, anything from pop concerts to drama," Campbell said. "Clearly something went very wrong in May."