A STAINED-glass window that once graced one of the region's leading art galleries is to be reinstalled tomorrow.

The original window, which decorated the main staircase of Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle, when it opened in 1904, will be restored as part of the building's refurbishment.

Staff found it in two sections during the building work, but are mystified as to why it was removed.

Curator Julie Milne said: "No one can remember when or why the original stained-glass window was removed from its space in the gallery.

"We discovered the window in the costume store and decided to have it cleaned and have the missing pieces replaced."

The window was designed by J Edgar Mitchell, a Newcastle artist, who was a major figure in the North-East art movement during the early 1900s.

Standing 10ft high by 3ft wide, the top section features the coat of arms for the City of Newcastle.

The bottom section depicts two women in flowing dresses standing to the left and right of an older woman, who has a young boy and girl standing beside her.

The building is due to re-open on April 17, with its third National Gallery touring exhibition, called Making Faces.

It will feature masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, Hogarth, Opie, Renoir and Warhol.

Published: 05/02/2004