Processes

Restoration

Removal of any window is a delicate matter. But stained glass and leaded lights require a whole different level of care and respect. We can be working with windows with glass that is hundreds of years old. The lead can become brittle with age and the glass can be extremely delicate.

In a lot of cases, a window or panel is carefully removed and a polycarbon panel is temporarily put into place to ensure weatherproofing whilst the original window is transported to a workshop for re-leading and restoration. Once there, a template (rubbing), is taken from the window.

The window is then be taken apart, and all pieces of glass are cleaned using de-ionised water. The window is then re-glazed using new lead. Replacement hand-made glass that is closely matched to the original is used to repair broken pieces.

To complete the process, and make the window weather-proof, a specialist window cement is used and polished off. On-site the Polycarbon panel is removed and the newly restored window is re-fitted. Lime mortar is used to replace the old for re-pointing. Brass bars are placed for stability to complete the process.

Repairs

If the window and lead are still in good condition; any replacement required can sometimes be carried out in-situ. If not, then the same process as above will be necessary. In some cases where a painted figure (cartoon) is destroyed, there will be the need for the services of a skilled fine art painter to replicate the original design. I am proud to work with such expert and talented individuals who are some of the best in their profession.

Copper foil tape and solder are used to repair original broken glass. If the glass section is beyond saving, new handmade and colour matched glass is selected (and any fine art paintings recreated if necessary), then placed back into the window. If windows are in good condition, but the pointing is cracked, replacement lime mortar is used.

Conservation

Stained glass is one of the most beautiful and compelling forms of architectural decoration. However, it is also one of the most vulnerable. The fabric of the glass itself, the paint or stain used to decorate it, and even the lead framework used to hold the design together are all at risk of deterioration from weathering and pollution and will likely require conservation work to ensure their long-term survival.

Cleaning

Cleaning of stained glass & leaded lights without removing the window requires suitable safety to enable access to the windows, which are often at height. This may be by the use of a tower scaffold, ‘cherry picker’ or full scaffolding, depending upon the scale of work to be done.

The glass is carefully cleaned with deionised water, swabs, tissues and a lot of elbow grease!

For non-stained glass, mildly abrasive specialist rubbers and fibreglass brushes may be necessary in order to achieve stunning results and bring back the glory of the artistry that the original artist intended.

Protection

Unfortunately, some churches suffer from vandalism to their windows. Therefore, the most important feature of any protection of church windows is its effectiveness at its job. The fitting of guards to church windows is a process that involves covering the outside window with a bespoke metal grille or guard to protect the glass, whilst also allowing the daylight to show off the window colours.

Highest quality materials are used when making the guards to allow an indefinite guarantee against corrosion and deterioration.

Isothermal Glazing

This is a fairly recent technique that's still being developed and is used for protecting stained glass windows, usually found in highly graded listed buildings. It involves considerable alterations to the existing glazing and possibly the surrounding framework.

The original stained glass, is removed from the stonework and a new frame is made around the existing window opening. A new, clear glass window is made, reflecting the shape of the original and set in the new frame. The original stained glass is mounted inside the replica, sitting slightly proud of the original opening. This provides maximum protection for the old glass, whilst preserving the original appearance and colours as far as possible and allowing daylight to display the stained glass as originally intended.

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