Stained Glass Work
By Shelagh Davies
Accidents happen and, sadly, stained glass and leaded lights are broken from time to time. Either parts of the glass pattern are cracked or smashed or the lead may become brittle and sagging occurs due to age and decay.
I undertake repairs and restoration work, paying particular attention to sourcing glass that is as close a match as possible to the existing glass. If the broken piece is painted, this has to be carefully removed and a copy drawing is made from which I can make a faithful replica of the original to paint onto the new piece of glass for subsequent firing in my glass kiln.
Unless the broken section lies at the outer edges of the panel, it is generally necessary to dismantle the entire panel and then to reconstruct it inserting the new pieces of glass. The cost of the work will reflect this and it is quite possible that a full restoration will cost a similar amount to the cost of making a new panel.
Example Restoration Projects :
Example 1
This door panel measures 60cm x 90cm and was in a sorry state when I received it. The lead was very brittle and there had been a poor attempt at restoration work.
Having completely removed all the lead, I was left with most of the glass intact. However, a couple of the "clear" glass panes were cracked and it proved impossible to find exactly the same as replacement. With the clients’ approval, I was able to adapt the pattern and, using coloured "old" glass (which was available), the panel is now reinstalled by my clients who are delighted with it.
Before restoration
Fully restored stained glass window
Example 2
Before restoration
Fully restored and repaired
Example 3
A phone call from a very anxious potential customer caused me to act very quickly. He and his wife had returned home and discovered their house had been broken into. The way the thieves entered the property was by smashing through a traditional leaded panel in their front door. Though the owner of the house had fitted a clear Perspex panel over it on the outside of the door, it was ineffective against determined burglars.
When I arrived on site, what was left of the leaded panel was folded up in a crate – a very sad sight.
The price for rebuilding, and for making sure that the newly restored panel could be fitted in such a way that it would no longer be possible to simply smash through it again, was established and accepted; the opening was boarded up and I returned to my studio with the crate full of broken glass and deformed lead. Laying the debris on my work table, I was able to take a tracing from the side that was less damaged and could then draw up a cartoon (plan off which to work).
I completed the rebuilding work, sourcing a lot of the lovely original glass from my stock. I had a 4mm toughened clear glass pane made and arranged with a carpenter to make an oval wooden frame that could be screwed into the door inside the house; together with the toughened glass and the substantial wooden frame, we feel confident that the house was going to be safe from now onwards.
If you would like to discuss a repair or restoration project further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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