Stained Glass Panels
Many people think of churches when they think about stained glass and, of course, these are the places where they provide a major impact but people also forget how many relatively ordinary houses were originally built with windows using designs in stained glass. This is particularly true of the heyday of stained glass between 1900 and 1940. It was a booming industry with workshops in every major town and glassworks at full capacity.
Whilst the industry has made major changes, today we are seeing a revival in the concept of restoring original features to buildings including stained glass panels. The results are not only aesthetically pleasing but also add value to the property. Estate Agents and experts on restoration are constantly stating that buyers of older properties are looking for 'original features' including stained glass and are often willing to pay more for such a property.
New panels are often required to:
- Restore original features appropriate to the age of the house
- Replace broken/missing panels
- Disguise unsightly views through doors/windows
- Stamp your own individuality to a house/office
BEFORE AFTER
Just three new panels have transformed the look of this door and restored it to its former glory. It has also probably increased its value to prospective buyers by enhancing its 'kerb-appeal'. So the cost involved could be recouped when they sell.
Examples of work undertaken.
Modern design for a 1930's bathroom
This was a commission for four panels to be inserted into a sash window to complement an aquatic theme in a bathroom. The bathroom had been re-vamped in a 1930's Hollywood style with large peach mirrors and a large shell shape bath.
Our brief was to come up with a design that would not only reflect the style but also the colours and shapes used in the bathroom.
The clients were delighted with the result and we were pleased to show them that designs of stained glass panels don't always have to be copies of the originals from the 1930's.
A modern design can be successfully incorporated into a period room provided it is in the right context and complementary to its surroundings.
Re-creating designs from existing panels
This client wanted to replace the panel in her door from the plain glass to what she believed would have been originally in stained glass. She had no record of the original door from old photographs or even examples of stained glass in neighbours houses from which we could copy.
So it was decided to adapt a design from the stained glass panels in her dining room (shown above) utilising the same colours and textures. The result was very pleasing in that it restored the door from this late Victorian house with a design which we knew was both appropriate and complementary to existing stained glass in the house.
The house is now an asset to the neighbourhood .
Restoring panels for a front entrance using a neighbours design
The six panels shown here in this 1907 built house were made to replace the originals which had been removed in the 1960's.
Fortunately, a neighbour still had the original panels and with her permission, we traced the patterns and reproduced them.
The colours and textures as well as house number were adapted to meet the clients needs. The result is a pleasing combination of restoring original designs but with colours and textures appropriate to the existing decorations.
The final result is a front entrance which is not just aesthetically pleasing but combining the 1907 feel but with colours more approriate to 2005.
Repairing Stained Glass Panels
Whilst it is always possible to repair existing panels, several factors have to be considered:
Is it worth repairing? It is often cheaper to replace a panel rather than repair.
Can the glass be matched? Many of the glass colours/textures are no longer available.
Can it be removed without causing more damage? Panels have to be removed to be repaired and if the lead is very weak, the panel can literally collapse.
If the answers to the above are yes, then a repair can be made. The only way that the cost of repair can be assessed is by an on-site inspection and naturally the cost involved means that I have to restrict myself to a 25 mile radius of Manchester. If, on the other hand, the panel can be removed and sent to me for assessment, then I will be more than willing to provide a quote subject to the client paying for the cost of postage the panel back to them if they reject the quotation.
Free no-obligation quotation
If you feel that your home could be improved with stained glass panels to the exterior door or windows, then contact us for a free no-obligation quote. Simply, go the 'Contact Me' page and follow the instructions.
Copyright © 2005 Vintage Glass Studio by Ian Lonsdale
