File:Southwell Minster west window (26473994426).jpg

The west window was dedicated in 1996 and replaced an old window from the 19th century. It was conceived by Martin Stancliffe and created by Patrick Reyntiens. It was made at Barley Studio in York.

It was conceived as an Angel window. The lower seven panels depict unique Angels which hold spheres, in which are seen the Seven Acts of Creation; The creation of light, the vault of the heavens, the dry land, day and night, the birds and fish, the living creatures on the earth, and human beings. Above these are smaller pairs of Angels who hold books, trumpets, a heart, a pipe organ, and stringed instruments. At the top of these panels are yet more Angels three of whom have outstretched wings.

There are seven predella scenes showing, from left, the expulsion from the garden of Eden, an Angel with a flaming sword with Adam and Eve, Jacob wrestling with the Angel, Tobias holding a golden fish, the Annunciation, Angels ministering to Christ in the wilderness with the devil on the right, the agony in the Garden, Easter day with an Angel and two Marys at the tomb.

There are further Angels in the centre of the window holding spheres of stars or suns, and in the larger panels The Virgin appears in the centre with a blue nimbus, and holds seven red flashes depicting The Seven Sorrows of Mary. The spirit of God descends on her in the form of a cloud on which is written in Hebrew "I am who I am". The panel is surrounded by a green border formed of the ladder of Jacob upon which Angels ascend and descend. The large panel to the left of The Virgin shows an Angel supporting Christ on the cross. There is also a tree of life and a lily reflecting the Annunciation. The panel on the right holds emblems of the Holy Spirit (a dove). There are more Angels in the upper third of the window, where the colour becomes more vivid and the activity more intense. There are Angels with trumpets, censing Angels singing Angels, and those with cymbals and trumpets. The central pair and three pairs near the top are on whirling balls of fire or flaming stars. The Eye of God appears in the four sub-apexes, and at the very top can be seen The Godhead with the hand of God reaching down. At either side are Alpha and Omega.

The glass is protected by isothermal double glazing, to prevent weather deterioration.