diff --git a/docs/api/wuttaweb/index.rst b/docs/api/wuttaweb/index.rst
index 739935b..7299034 100644
--- a/docs/api/wuttaweb/index.rst
+++ b/docs/api/wuttaweb/index.rst
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
    handler
    helpers
    menus
+   progress
    static
    subscribers
    util
@@ -30,6 +31,7 @@
    views.essential
    views.master
    views.people
+   views.progress
    views.roles
    views.settings
    views.upgrades
diff --git a/docs/api/wuttaweb/progress.rst b/docs/api/wuttaweb/progress.rst
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..498d641
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/api/wuttaweb/progress.rst
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+
+``wuttaweb.progress``
+=====================
+
+.. automodule:: wuttaweb.progress
+   :members:
diff --git a/docs/api/wuttaweb/views.people.rst b/docs/api/wuttaweb/views.people.rst
index 89c6883..2dc919b 100644
--- a/docs/api/wuttaweb/views.people.rst
+++ b/docs/api/wuttaweb/views.people.rst
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 
 ``wuttaweb.views.people``
-===========================
+=========================
 
 .. automodule:: wuttaweb.views.people
    :members:
diff --git a/docs/api/wuttaweb/views.progress.rst b/docs/api/wuttaweb/views.progress.rst
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..34e2661
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/api/wuttaweb/views.progress.rst
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+
+``wuttaweb.views.progress``
+===========================
+
+.. automodule:: wuttaweb.views.progress
+   :members:
diff --git a/src/wuttaweb/progress.py b/src/wuttaweb/progress.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..759c2da
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/wuttaweb/progress.py
@@ -0,0 +1,165 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8; -*-
+################################################################################
+#
+#  wuttaweb -- Web App for Wutta Framework
+#  Copyright © 2024 Lance Edgar
+#
+#  This file is part of Wutta Framework.
+#
+#  Wutta Framework is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it
+#  under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free
+#  Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any
+#  later version.
+#
+#  Wutta Framework is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but
+#  WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or
+#  FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for
+#  more details.
+#
+#  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
+#  Wutta Framework.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+#
+################################################################################
+"""
+Progress Indicators
+"""
+
+from wuttjamaican.progress import ProgressBase
+
+from beaker.session import Session as BeakerSession
+
+
+def get_basic_session(request, **kwargs):
+    """
+    Create/get a "basic" Beaker session object.
+    """
+    kwargs['use_cookies'] = False
+    return BeakerSession(request, **kwargs)
+
+
+def get_progress_session(request, key, **kwargs):
+    """
+    Create/get a Beaker session object, to be used for progress.
+    """
+    kwargs['id'] = f'{request.session.id}.progress.{key}'
+    return get_basic_session(request, **kwargs)
+
+
+class SessionProgress(ProgressBase):
+    """
+    Progress indicator which uses Beaker session storage to track
+    current status.
+
+    This is a subclass of
+    :class:`wuttjamaican:wuttjamaican.progress.ProgressBase`.
+
+    A view callable can create one of these, and then pass it into
+    :meth:`~wuttjamaican.app.AppHandler.progress_loop()` or similar.
+
+    As the loop updates progress along the way, this indicator will
+    update the Beaker session to match.
+
+    Separately then, the client side can send requests for the
+    :func:`~wuttaweb.views.progress.progress()` view, to fetch current
+    status out of the Beaker session.
+
+    :param request: Current :term:`request` object.
+
+    :param key: Unique key for this progress indicator.  Used to
+       distinguish progress indicators in the Beaker session.
+
+    Note that in addition to
+    :meth:`~wuttjamaican:wuttjamaican.progress.ProgressBase.update()`
+    and
+    :meth:`~wuttjamaican:wuttjamaican.progress.ProgressBase.finish()`
+    this progres class has some extra attributes and methods:
+
+    .. attribute:: success_msg
+
+       Optional message to display to the user (via session flash)
+       when the operation completes successfully.
+
+    .. attribute:: success_url
+
+       URL to which user should be redirected, once the operation
+       completes.
+
+    .. attribute:: error_url
+
+       URL to which user should be redirected, if the operation
+       encounters an error.  If not specified, will fall back to
+       :attr:`success_url`.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, request, key, success_msg=None, success_url=None, error_url=None):
+        self.key = key
+        self.success_msg = success_msg
+        self.success_url = success_url
+        self.error_url = error_url or self.success_url
+        self.session = get_progress_session(request, key)
+        self.clear()
+
+    def __call__(self, message, maximum):
+        self.clear()
+        self.session['message'] = message
+        self.session['maximum'] = maximum
+        self.session['maximum_display'] = f'{maximum:,d}'
+        self.session['value'] = 0
+        self.session.save()
+        return self
+
+    def clear(self):
+        """ """
+        self.session.clear()
+        self.session['complete'] = False
+        self.session['error'] = False
+        self.session.save()
+
+    def update(self, value):
+        """ """
+        self.session.load()
+        self.session['value'] = value
+        self.session.save()
+
+    def handle_error(self, error, error_url=None):
+        """
+        This should be called by the view code, within a try/catch
+        block upon error.
+
+        The session storage will be updated to reflect details of the
+        error.  Next time client requests the progress status it will
+        learn of the error and redirect the user.
+
+        :param error: :class:`python:Exception` instance.
+
+        :param error_url: Optional redirect URL; if not specified
+           :attr:`error_url` is used.
+        """
+        self.session.load()
+        self.session['error'] = True
+        self.session['error_msg'] = str(error)
+        self.session['error_url'] = error_url or self.error_url
+        self.session.save()
+
+    def handle_success(self, success_msg=None, success_url=None):
+        """
+        This should be called by the view code, when the long-running
+        operation completes.
+
+        The session storage will be updated to reflect the completed
+        status.  Next time client requests the progress status it will
+        discover it has completed, and redirect the user.
+
+        :param success_msg: Optional message to display to the user
+           (via session flash) when the operation completes
+           successfully.  If not specified :attr:`success_msg` (or
+           nothing) is used
+
+        :param success_url: Optional redirect URL; if not specified
+           :attr:`success_url` is used.
+        """
+        self.session.load()
+        self.session['complete'] = True
+        self.session['success_msg'] = success_msg or self.success_msg
+        self.session['success_url'] = success_url or self.success_url
+        self.session.save()
diff --git a/src/wuttaweb/templates/base.mako b/src/wuttaweb/templates/base.mako
index a85bc2d..3b3f115 100644
--- a/src/wuttaweb/templates/base.mako
+++ b/src/wuttaweb/templates/base.mako
@@ -3,13 +3,7 @@
 <%namespace file="/wutta-components.mako" import="make_wutta_components" />
 <!DOCTYPE html>
 <html lang="en">
-  <head>
-    <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />
-    <title>${base_meta.global_title()} &raquo; ${capture(self.title)|n}</title>
-    ${base_meta.favicon()}
-    ${self.header_core()}
-    ${self.head_tags()}
-  </head>
+  ${self.html_head()}
   <body>
     <div id="app" style="height: 100%;">
       <whole-page />
@@ -30,7 +24,20 @@
   </body>
 </html>
 
-## nb. this becomes part of the page <title> tag within <head>
+<%def name="html_head()">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />
+    <title>${self.head_title()}</title>
+    ${base_meta.favicon()}
+    ${self.header_core()}
+    ${self.head_tags()}
+  </head>
+</%def>
+
+## nb. this is the full <title> within html <head>
+<%def name="head_title()">${base_meta.global_title()} &raquo; ${self.title()}</%def>
+
+## nb. this becomes part of head_title() above
 ## it also is used as default value for content_title() below
 <%def name="title()"></%def>
 
@@ -39,9 +46,9 @@
 <%def name="content_title()">${self.title()}</%def>
 
 <%def name="header_core()">
-  ${self.core_javascript()}
+  ${self.base_javascript()}
   ${self.extra_javascript()}
-  ${self.core_styles()}
+  ${self.base_styles()}
   ${self.extra_styles()}
 </%def>
 
@@ -49,6 +56,10 @@
   ${self.vuejs()}
   ${self.buefy()}
   ${self.fontawesome()}
+</%def>
+
+<%def name="base_javascript()">
+  ${self.core_javascript()}
   ${self.hamburger_menu_js()}
 </%def>
 
@@ -99,7 +110,6 @@
 
 <%def name="core_styles()">
   ${self.buefy_styles()}
-  ${self.base_styles()}
 </%def>
 
 <%def name="buefy_styles()">
@@ -107,6 +117,7 @@
 </%def>
 
 <%def name="base_styles()">
+  ${self.core_styles()}
   <style>
 
     ##############################
@@ -194,16 +205,7 @@
 
 <%def name="head_tags()"></%def>
 
-<%def name="render_vue_template_whole_page()">
-  <script type="text/x-template" id="whole-page-template">
-
-    ## nb. the whole-page contains 3 elements:
-    ## 1) header-wrapper
-    ## 2) content-wrapper
-    ## 3) footer
-    <div id="whole-page"
-         style="height: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: space-between;">
-
+<%def name="whole_page_content()">
       ## nb. the header-wrapper contains 2 elements:
       ## 1) header proper (menu + index title area)
       ## 2) page/content title area
@@ -327,7 +329,18 @@
           ${base_meta.footer()}
         </div>
       </footer>
+</%def>
 
+<%def name="render_vue_template_whole_page()">
+  <script type="text/x-template" id="whole-page-template">
+
+    ## nb. the whole-page normally contains 3 elements:
+    ## 1) header-wrapper
+    ## 2) content-wrapper
+    ## 3) footer
+    <div id="whole-page"
+         style="height: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: space-between;">
+      ${self.whole_page_content()}
     </div>
   </script>
 </%def>
@@ -418,7 +431,7 @@
 
         mounted() {
             for (let hook of this.mountedHooks) {
-                hook(this)
+                hook.call(this)
             }
         },
 
diff --git a/src/wuttaweb/templates/progress.mako b/src/wuttaweb/templates/progress.mako
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..35223a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/wuttaweb/templates/progress.mako
@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+## -*- coding: utf-8; -*-
+<%inherit file="/base.mako" />
+
+<%def name="head_title()">${initial_msg or "Working"}...</%def>
+
+<%def name="base_javascript()">
+  ${self.core_javascript()}
+</%def>
+
+<%def name="base_styles()">
+  ${self.core_styles()}
+</%def>
+
+<%def name="whole_page_content()">
+  <section class="hero is-fullheight">
+    <div class="hero-body">
+      <div class="container">
+
+        <div style="display: flex;">
+          <div style="flex-grow: 1;"></div>
+          <div>
+
+            <p class="block">
+              {{ progressMessage }} ... {{ totalDisplay }}
+            </p>
+
+            <div class="level">
+
+              <div class="level-item">
+                <b-progress size="is-large"
+                            style="width: 400px;"
+                            :max="progressMax"
+                            :value="progressValue"
+                            show-value
+                            format="percent"
+                            precision="0">
+                </b-progress>
+              </div>
+
+            </div>
+
+          </div>
+          <div style="flex-grow: 1;"></div>
+        </div>
+
+        ${self.after_progress()}
+
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  </section>
+</%def>
+
+<%def name="after_progress()"></%def>
+
+<%def name="modify_vue_vars()">
+  <script>
+
+    WholePageData.progressURL = '${url('progress', key=progress.key, _query={'sessiontype': progress.session.type})}'
+    WholePageData.progressMessage = "${(initial_msg or "Working").replace('"', '\\"')} (please wait)"
+    WholePageData.progressMax = null
+    WholePageData.progressMaxDisplay = null
+    WholePageData.progressValue = null
+    WholePageData.stillInProgress = true
+
+    WholePage.computed.totalDisplay = function() {
+
+        if (!this.stillInProgress) {
+            return "done!"
+        }
+
+        if (this.progressMaxDisplay) {
+            return `(${'$'}{this.progressMaxDisplay} total)`
+        }
+    }
+
+    WholePageData.mountedHooks.push(function() {
+
+        // fetch first progress data, one second from now
+        setTimeout(() => {
+            this.updateProgress()
+        }, 1000)
+    })
+
+    WholePage.methods.updateProgress = function() {
+
+        this.$http.get(this.progressURL).then(response => {
+
+            if (response.data.error) {
+                // errors stop the show; redirect
+                location.href = response.data.error_url
+
+            } else {
+
+                if (response.data.complete || response.data.maximum) {
+                    this.progressMessage = response.data.message
+                    this.progressMaxDisplay = response.data.maximum_display
+
+                    if (response.data.complete) {
+                        this.progressValue = this.progressMax
+                        this.stillInProgress = false
+
+                        location.href = response.data.success_url
+
+                    } else {
+                        this.progressValue = response.data.value
+                        this.progressMax = response.data.maximum
+                    }
+                }
+
+                if (this.stillInProgress) {
+
+                    // fetch progress data again, in one second from now
+                    setTimeout(() => {
+                        this.updateProgress()
+                    }, 1000)
+                }
+            }
+        })
+    }
+
+  </script>
+</%def>
diff --git a/src/wuttaweb/views/essential.py b/src/wuttaweb/views/essential.py
index b6a05b1..56c669b 100644
--- a/src/wuttaweb/views/essential.py
+++ b/src/wuttaweb/views/essential.py
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ That will in turn include the following modules:
 * :mod:`wuttaweb.views.auth`
 * :mod:`wuttaweb.views.common`
 * :mod:`wuttaweb.views.settings`
+* :mod:`wuttaweb.views.progress`
 * :mod:`wuttaweb.views.people`
 * :mod:`wuttaweb.views.roles`
 * :mod:`wuttaweb.views.users`
@@ -45,6 +46,7 @@ def defaults(config, **kwargs):
     config.include(mod('wuttaweb.views.auth'))
     config.include(mod('wuttaweb.views.common'))
     config.include(mod('wuttaweb.views.settings'))
+    config.include(mod('wuttaweb.views.progress'))
     config.include(mod('wuttaweb.views.people'))
     config.include(mod('wuttaweb.views.roles'))
     config.include(mod('wuttaweb.views.users'))
diff --git a/src/wuttaweb/views/master.py b/src/wuttaweb/views/master.py
index d1e9bef..7477ec2 100644
--- a/src/wuttaweb/views/master.py
+++ b/src/wuttaweb/views/master.py
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ Base Logic for Master Views
 """
 
 import logging
+import threading
 
 import sqlalchemy as sa
 from sqlalchemy import orm
@@ -35,6 +36,7 @@ from webhelpers2.html import HTML
 from wuttaweb.views import View
 from wuttaweb.util import get_form_data, get_model_fields, render_csrf_token
 from wuttaweb.db import Session
+from wuttaweb.progress import SessionProgress
 from wuttjamaican.util import get_class_hierarchy
 
 
@@ -295,6 +297,19 @@ class MasterView(View):
        deleting" - i.e. it should have a :meth:`delete_bulk()` view.
        Default value is ``False``.
 
+       See also :attr:`deletable_bulk_quick`.
+
+    .. attribute:: deletable_bulk_quick
+
+       Boolean indicating whether the view model supports "quick" bulk
+       deleting, i.e. the operation is reliably quick enough that it
+       should happen *synchronously* with no progress indicator.
+
+       Default is ``False`` in which case a progress indicator is
+       shown while the bulk deletion is performed.
+
+       Only relevant if :attr:`deletable_bulk` is true.
+
     .. attribute:: form_fields
 
        List of fields for the model form.
@@ -333,6 +348,7 @@ class MasterView(View):
     editable = True
     deletable = True
     deletable_bulk = False
+    deletable_bulk_quick = False
     has_autocomplete = False
     configurable = False
 
@@ -634,7 +650,7 @@ class MasterView(View):
         session = self.app.get_session(obj)
         session.delete(obj)
 
-    def delete_bulk(self, session=None):
+    def delete_bulk(self):
         """
         View to delete all records in the current :meth:`index()` grid
         data set, i.e. those matching current query.
@@ -652,35 +668,79 @@ class MasterView(View):
         one of the related methods which are called (in)directly by
         this one:
 
-        * :meth:`delete_bulk_data()`
+        * :meth:`delete_bulk_action()`
         """
+
         # get current data set from grid
         # nb. this must *not* be paginated, we need it all
         grid = self.make_model_grid(paginated=False)
         data = grid.get_visible_data()
 
-        # delete it all and go back to listing
-        self.delete_bulk_data(data, session=session)
-        return self.redirect(self.get_index_url())
+        if self.deletable_bulk_quick:
 
-    def delete_bulk_data(self, data, session=None):
+            # delete it all and go back to listing
+            self.delete_bulk_action(data)
+            return self.redirect(self.get_index_url())
+
+        else:
+
+            # start thread for delete; show progress page
+            route_prefix = self.get_route_prefix()
+            key = f'{route_prefix}.delete_bulk'
+            progress = self.make_progress(key, success_url=self.get_index_url())
+            thread = threading.Thread(target=self.delete_bulk_thread,
+                                      args=(data,), kwargs={'progress': progress})
+            thread.start()
+            return self.render_progress(progress)
+
+    def delete_bulk_thread(self, query, success_url=None, progress=None):
+        """ """
+        model_title_plural = self.get_model_title_plural()
+
+        # nb. use new session, separate from web transaction
+        session = self.app.make_session()
+        records = query.with_session(session).all()
+
+        try:
+            self.delete_bulk_action(records, progress=progress)
+
+        except Exception as error:
+            session.rollback()
+            log.warning("failed to delete %s results for %s",
+                        len(records), model_title_plural,
+                        exc_info=True)
+            if progress:
+                progress.handle_error(error, "Bulk deletion failed")
+
+        else:
+            session.commit()
+            if progress:
+                progress.handle_success()
+
+        finally:
+            session.close()
+
+    def delete_bulk_action(self, data, progress=None):
         """
         This method performs the actual bulk deletion, for the given
-        data set.
+        data set.  This is called via :meth:`delete_bulk()`.
 
         Default logic will call :meth:`is_deletable()` for every data
         record, and if that returns true then it calls
-        :meth:`delete_instance()`.
+        :meth:`delete_instance()`.  A progress indicator will be
+        updated if one is provided.
 
-        As of now there is no progress indicator or async; caller must
-        simply wait until delete is finished.
+        Subclass should override if needed.
         """
-        session = session or self.Session()
+        model_title_plural = self.get_model_title_plural()
 
-        for obj in data:
+        def delete(obj, i):
             if self.is_deletable(obj):
                 self.delete_instance(obj)
 
+        self.app.progress_loop(delete, data, progress,
+                               message=f"Deleting {model_title_plural}")
+
     def delete_bulk_make_button(self):
         """ """
         route_prefix = self.get_route_prefix()
@@ -1308,6 +1368,39 @@ class MasterView(View):
 
         return HTML.tag('b-button', **btn_kw)
 
+    def make_progress(self, key, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Create and return a
+        :class:`~wuttaweb.progress.SessionProgress` instance, with the
+        given key.
+
+        This is normally done just before calling
+        :meth:`render_progress()`.
+        """
+        return SessionProgress(self.request, key, **kwargs)
+
+    def render_progress(self, progress, context=None, template=None):
+        """
+        Render the progress page, with given template/context.
+
+        When a view method needs to start a long-running operation, it
+        first starts a thread to do the work, and then it renders the
+        "progress" page.  As the operation continues the progress page
+        is updated.  When the operation completes (or fails) the user
+        is redirected to the final destination.
+
+        TODO: should document more about how to do this..
+
+        :param progress: Progress indicator instance as returned by
+           :meth:`make_progress()`.
+
+        :returns: A :term:`response` with rendered progress page.
+        """
+        template = template or '/progress.mako'
+        context = context or {}
+        context['progress'] = progress
+        return render_to_response(template, context, request=self.request)
+
     def render_to_response(self, template, context):
         """
         Locate and render an appropriate template, with the given
diff --git a/src/wuttaweb/views/progress.py b/src/wuttaweb/views/progress.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a06ebf2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/wuttaweb/views/progress.py
@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8; -*-
+################################################################################
+#
+#  wuttaweb -- Web App for Wutta Framework
+#  Copyright © 2024 Lance Edgar
+#
+#  This file is part of Wutta Framework.
+#
+#  Wutta Framework is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it
+#  under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free
+#  Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any
+#  later version.
+#
+#  Wutta Framework is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but
+#  WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or
+#  FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for
+#  more details.
+#
+#  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
+#  Wutta Framework.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+#
+################################################################################
+"""
+Progress Views
+"""
+
+from wuttaweb.progress import get_progress_session
+
+
+def progress(request):
+    """
+    View which returns JSON with current progress status.
+
+    The URL is like ``/progress/XXX`` where ``XXX`` is the "key" to a
+    particular progress indicator, tied to a long-running operation.
+
+    This key is used to lookup the progress status within the Beaker
+    session storage.  See also
+    :class:`~wuttaweb.progress.SessionProgress`.
+    """
+    key = request.matchdict['key']
+    session = get_progress_session(request, key)
+
+    # session has 'complete' flag set when operation is over
+    if session.get('complete'):
+
+        # set a flash msg for user if one is defined.  this is the
+        # time to do it since user is about to get redirected.
+        msg = session.get('success_msg')
+        if msg:
+            request.session.flash(msg)
+
+    elif session.get('error'):  # uh-oh
+
+        # set an error flash msg for user.  this is the time to do it
+        # since user is about to get redirected.
+        msg = session.get('error_msg', "An unspecified error occurred.")
+        request.session.flash(msg, 'error')
+
+    # nb. we return the session as-is; since it is dict-like (and only
+    # contains relevant progress data) it can be used directly for the
+    # JSON response context
+    return session
+
+
+def defaults(config, **kwargs):
+    base = globals()
+
+    progress = kwargs.get('progress', base['progress'])
+    config.add_route('progress', '/progress/{key}')
+    config.add_view(progress, route_name='progress', renderer='json')
+
+
+def includeme(config):
+    defaults(config)
diff --git a/tests/test_progress.py b/tests/test_progress.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8bfce3c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_progress.py
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8; -*-
+
+from unittest import TestCase
+
+from pyramid import testing
+from beaker.session import Session as BeakerSession
+
+from wuttaweb import progress as mod
+
+
+class TestGetBasicSession(TestCase):
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.request = testing.DummyRequest()
+
+    def test_basic(self):
+        session = mod.get_basic_session(self.request)
+        self.assertIsInstance(session, BeakerSession)
+        self.assertFalse(session.use_cookies)
+
+
+class TestGetProgressSession(TestCase):
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.request = testing.DummyRequest()
+
+    def test_basic(self):
+        self.request.session.id = 'mockid'
+        session = mod.get_progress_session(self.request, 'foo')
+        self.assertIsInstance(session, BeakerSession)
+        self.assertEqual(session.id, 'mockid.progress.foo')
+
+
+class TestSessionProgress(TestCase):
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.request = testing.DummyRequest()
+        self.request.session.id = 'mockid'
+
+    def test_error_url(self):
+        factory = mod.SessionProgress(self.request, 'foo', success_url='/blart')
+        self.assertEqual(factory.error_url, '/blart')
+
+    def test_basic(self):
+
+        # sanity / coverage check
+        factory = mod.SessionProgress(self.request, 'foo')
+        prog = factory("doing things", 2)
+        prog.update(1)
+        prog.update(2)
+        prog.handle_success()
+
+    def test_error(self):
+
+        # sanity / coverage check
+        factory = mod.SessionProgress(self.request, 'foo')
+        prog = factory("doing things", 2)
+        prog.update(1)
+        try:
+            raise RuntimeError('omg')
+        except Exception as error:
+            prog.handle_error(error)
diff --git a/tests/views/test_master.py b/tests/views/test_master.py
index 0224468..6fdb55d 100644
--- a/tests/views/test_master.py
+++ b/tests/views/test_master.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ from pyramid.httpexceptions import HTTPNotFound
 from wuttjamaican.conf import WuttaConfig
 from wuttaweb.views import master as mod
 from wuttaweb.views import View
+from wuttaweb.progress import SessionProgress
 from wuttaweb.subscribers import new_request_set_user
 from tests.util import WebTestCase
 
@@ -428,6 +429,22 @@ class TestMasterView(WebTestCase):
         self.assertIn('click me', html)
         self.assertIn('is-primary', html)
 
+    def test_make_progress(self):
+
+        # basic
+        view = self.make_view()
+        self.request.session.id = 'mockid'
+        progress = view.make_progress('foo')
+        self.assertIsInstance(progress, SessionProgress)
+
+    def test_render_progress(self):
+        self.pyramid_config.add_route('progress', '/progress/{key}')
+
+        # sanity / coverage check
+        view = self.make_view()
+        progress = MagicMock()
+        response = view.render_progress(progress)
+
     def test_render_to_response(self):
         self.pyramid_config.include('wuttaweb.views.common')
         self.pyramid_config.include('wuttaweb.views.auth')
@@ -1098,6 +1115,7 @@ class TestMasterView(WebTestCase):
 
     def test_delete_bulk(self):
         self.pyramid_config.add_route('settings', '/settings/')
+        self.pyramid_config.add_route('progress', '/progress/{key}')
         model = self.app.model
         sample_data = [
             {'name': 'foo1', 'value': 'ONE'},
@@ -1132,13 +1150,35 @@ class TestMasterView(WebTestCase):
             data = grid.get_visible_data()
             self.assertEqual(len(data), 2)
 
-            # okay now let's delete those (gets redirected)
-            with patch.object(view, 'make_model_grid', return_value=grid):
-                response = view.delete_bulk(session=self.session)
+            # okay now let's delete those via quick method
+            # (user should be redirected back to index)
+            with patch.multiple(view,
+                                deletable_bulk_quick=True,
+                                make_model_grid=MagicMock(return_value=grid)):
+                response = view.delete_bulk()
             self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 302)
             self.assertEqual(self.session.query(model.Setting).count(), 7)
 
-    def test_delete_bulk_data(self):
+            # now use another filter since those records are gone
+            self.request.GET = {'name': 'foo2', 'name.verb': 'equal'}
+            grid = view.make_model_grid(session=self.session)
+            self.assertEqual(len(grid.filters), 2)
+            self.assertEqual(len(grid.active_filters), 1)
+            data = grid.get_visible_data()
+            self.assertEqual(len(data), 1)
+
+            # this time we delete "slowly" with progress
+            self.request.session.id = 'ignorethis'
+            with patch.multiple(view,
+                                deletable_bulk_quick=False,
+                                make_model_grid=MagicMock(return_value=grid)):
+                with patch.object(mod, 'threading') as threading:
+                    response = view.delete_bulk()
+                    threading.Thread.return_value.start.assert_called_once_with()
+            # nb. user is shown progress page
+            self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
+
+    def test_delete_bulk_action(self):
         self.pyramid_config.add_route('settings', '/settings/')
         model = self.app.model
         sample_data = [
@@ -1167,10 +1207,68 @@ class TestMasterView(WebTestCase):
                                    .filter(model.Setting.value.ilike('%s%'))\
                                    .all()
             self.assertEqual(len(settings), 2)
-            view.delete_bulk_data(settings, session=self.session)
+            view.delete_bulk_action(settings)
             self.session.commit()
             self.assertEqual(self.session.query(model.Setting).count(), 7)
 
+    def test_delete_bulk_thread(self):
+        self.pyramid_config.add_route('settings', '/settings/')
+        model = self.app.model
+        sample_data = [
+            {'name': 'foo1', 'value': 'ONE'},
+            {'name': 'foo2', 'value': 'two'},
+            {'name': 'foo3', 'value': 'three'},
+            {'name': 'foo4', 'value': 'four'},
+            {'name': 'foo5', 'value': 'five'},
+            {'name': 'foo6', 'value': 'six'},
+            {'name': 'foo7', 'value': 'seven'},
+            {'name': 'foo8', 'value': 'eight'},
+            {'name': 'foo9', 'value': 'nine'},
+        ]
+        for setting in sample_data:
+            self.app.save_setting(self.session, setting['name'], setting['value'])
+        self.session.commit()
+        sample_query = self.session.query(model.Setting)
+
+        with patch.multiple(mod.MasterView, create=True,
+                            model_class=model.Setting):
+            view = self.make_view()
+
+            # basic delete, no progress
+            self.assertEqual(self.session.query(model.Setting).count(), 9)
+            settings = self.session.query(model.Setting)\
+                                   .filter(model.Setting.value.ilike('%s%'))
+            self.assertEqual(settings.count(), 2)
+            with patch.object(self.app, 'make_session', return_value=self.session):
+                view.delete_bulk_thread(settings)
+            self.assertEqual(self.session.query(model.Setting).count(), 7)
+
+            # basic delete, with progress
+            settings = self.session.query(model.Setting)\
+                                   .filter(model.Setting.name == 'foo1')
+            self.assertEqual(settings.count(), 1)
+            with patch.object(self.app, 'make_session', return_value=self.session):
+                view.delete_bulk_thread(settings, progress=MagicMock())
+            self.assertEqual(self.session.query(model.Setting).count(), 6)
+
+            # error, no progress
+            settings = self.session.query(model.Setting)\
+                                   .filter(model.Setting.name == 'foo2')
+            self.assertEqual(settings.count(), 1)
+            with patch.object(self.app, 'make_session', return_value=self.session):
+                with patch.object(view, 'delete_bulk_action', side_effect=RuntimeError):
+                    view.delete_bulk_thread(settings)
+            # nb. nothing was deleted
+            self.assertEqual(self.session.query(model.Setting).count(), 6)
+
+            # error, with progress
+            self.assertEqual(settings.count(), 1)
+            with patch.object(self.app, 'make_session', return_value=self.session):
+                with patch.object(view, 'delete_bulk_action', side_effect=RuntimeError):
+                    view.delete_bulk_thread(settings, progress=MagicMock())
+            # nb. nothing was deleted
+            self.assertEqual(self.session.query(model.Setting).count(), 6)
+
     def test_autocomplete(self):
         model = self.app.model
 
diff --git a/tests/views/test_progress.py b/tests/views/test_progress.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..06a67f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/views/test_progress.py
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8; -*-
+
+from pyramid import testing
+
+from wuttaweb.views import progress as mod
+from wuttaweb.progress import get_progress_session
+from tests.util import WebTestCase
+
+
+class TestProgressView(WebTestCase):
+
+    def test_includeme(self):
+        self.pyramid_config.include('wuttaweb.views.progress')
+
+    def test_basic(self):
+        self.request.session.id = 'mockid'
+        self.request.matchdict = {'key': 'foo'}
+
+        # first call with no setup, will create the progress session
+        # but it should be "empty" - except not really since beaker
+        # adds some keys by default
+        context = mod.progress(self.request)
+        self.assertIsInstance(context, dict)
+
+        # now let's establish a progress session of our own
+        progsess = get_progress_session(self.request, 'bar')
+        progsess['maximum'] = 2
+        progsess['value'] = 1
+        progsess.save()
+
+        # then call view, check results
+        self.request.matchdict = {'key': 'bar'}
+        context = mod.progress(self.request)
+        self.assertEqual(context['maximum'], 2)
+        self.assertEqual(context['value'], 1)
+        self.assertNotIn('complete', context)
+
+        # now mark it as complete, check results
+        progsess['complete'] = True
+        progsess['success_msg'] = "yay!"
+        progsess.save()
+        context = mod.progress(self.request)
+        self.assertTrue(context['complete'])
+        self.assertEqual(context['success_msg'], "yay!")
+
+        # now do that all again, with error
+        progsess = get_progress_session(self.request, 'baz')
+        progsess['maximum'] = 2
+        progsess['value'] = 1
+        progsess.save()
+        self.request.matchdict = {'key': 'baz'}
+        context = mod.progress(self.request)
+        self.assertEqual(context['maximum'], 2)
+        self.assertEqual(context['value'], 1)
+        self.assertNotIn('complete', context)
+        self.assertNotIn('error', context)
+        progsess['error'] = True
+        progsess['error_msg'] = "omg!"
+        progsess.save()
+        context = mod.progress(self.request)
+        self.assertTrue(context['error'])
+        self.assertEqual(context['error_msg'], "omg!")