A Guide To Stained Glass Windows

What are Stained Glass Windows?

Dating back as early as the Egyptian periods, stained glass has been used to create ornate decorations in objects or windows across the globe. Its use spread to depict stories or situations, becoming increasingly frequent in 4 century Christian churches. It was not until the 7 Century did the craft reach Britain. It has since become traditional for Europe’s churches to feature great stained glass windows as a centrepiece attraction. Stained glass windows have since lit up contemporary homes and buildings as the archaic art is incorporated into modern style and design.

How are they made?

Incorporating ‘coloured glass’ into our meaning of ‘stained glass’, stained glass windows fuse tinted and clear glass with different textures to depict an image, design or pattern. Through careful consideration for temperature and craftsmanship, it is possible to design, paint, assemble and mount stained glass windows to your exact specifications through a combination of glass texture and colour.

A black and white line drawing of the pattern forms the initial design of the window that may depict an illusion or image, traditionally a biblical narrative. If you are struggling for inspiration for your initial design often professional stained glass designers can provide a pattern book to provide you with ideas for your own panel. A range of coloured glass is available that can be used to add the intricate detail to a panel. It is then cut and fit into a template formed from the original drawings. Once painted, fired or coloured, each piece of glass is assembled with the use of lead cames. The finished window is then fitted into a stained glass window frame.

How are they maintained?

To preserve a stained glass window’s appearance, regular dusting of the surface with a soft brush or dry cloth is recommended. Each pane should be wiped separately to avoid any damage to the metal structures that hold the panes of glass together. It is also advisable to avoid using any cleaning products directly on the glass as they may leave streaks, or worse, contain acidic qualities that will cause the metal infrastructure to erode.

If you’re looking for further tips on how to preserve the quality of your stained glass, or to learn about restorations and repairs, visit our window restorations page. If you require further information, contact Sherriff Stained Glass Specialists, professional suppliers of stained glass windows in Dorset, via email or call 01202 882208.

Author: Nathan Sherriff