Stained Glass

History

While the art of stained glass is centuries old, it is unclear when the first stained glass windows were actually made. Historians have determined that some of the earliest examples of manmade glass may be Egyptian beads dating from 2750 to 2625 BCE. Glass sheets appeared later, around the first century CE, in Roman windows. It wasn't until the Middle Ages that colored glass, valued as a precious commodity, began to appear.

The use of colored glass in windows dates back to 686 CE. St. Paul's Monastery in Jarrow, England, has one of the oldest surviving examples of multiple glass colors used in windows. The world's oldest intact stained glass windows are located in the Cathedral of Saint Maria in Augsburg, Germany. These five windows date from the twelfth century.

Stained glass was used heavily in Gothic architecture and during the Renaissance. The church was the main supporter of stained glass artists, so most windows from these eras are located in church sanctuaries. Stained glass windows were also occasionally commissioned by wealthy families and businesses.

The period between the Middle Ages and the early 1800s was a particularly low point for stained glass artisans. Changing styles drew people away from the elaborate details often displayed in stained glass, and a more simplistic style took hold. Many windows were destroyed and replaced with clear glass. The replacement of these windows was done both for religious reasons and because of a cultural shift that considered stained glass outdated and no longer desirable.

The popularity of stained glass was revitalized during the mid-nineteenth century. The publication of books such as Lord Alfred Tennyson's Idylls of the King and Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame created a new interest in Gothic architecture and medieval design. The desire to repair and reproduce old windows revitalized the industry and prevented the art of stained glass from dying out altogether.

In the twenty-first century, stained glass continues to be made by craftspeople, and examples may be found in churches, schools, businesses, and homes. The production of stained glass has also been transformed by hobbyists, who often create smaller pieces such as sun catchers, candle holders, sculptures, and various pieces for the home.

Tools needed for copper foil method

• Glass
• Glass cutter
• Glass cutter oil
• Foil tape
• Solder
• Soldering iron
• Flux
• Patina
• Running pliers
• Breaking pliers
• Pattern
• Glass grinder/file

Tools needed for leaded method

• Glass
• Glass cutter
• Glass cutter oil
• Solder
• Soldering iron
• Flux
• Patina
• Running pliers
• Breaking pliers
• Pattern
• Glass grinder/file
• Lead came
• Cement
• Brush
• Whiting powder

Technique

Both the copper foil and leaded methods for creating stained glass begin with the following steps:

Create two copies of the pattern you have selected. One copy will be cut so that the pieces may be traced onto glass in preparation for cutting. The second pattern will remain intact as a key.

Number each section on both patterns identically. This will help aid in the placement of glass sections.

Trace the pattern onto the glass.

Score the glass with a glass cutter along the lines. Break the glass with running pliers.

Grind the glass to size and compare it to the key pattern. It is extremely important to make the glass as accurate to the pattern as possible in order for proper fitting and display.

To complete the leaded method:

• Lay the glass pieces out according to the pattern, with lead strips between each piece. These can be held in position with nails or thumbtacks.
• Apply the flux chemical and solder the joints of the project.
• Once soldered, the piece is now ready to have cement applied. Carefully apply cement around the lead came, making sure to apply to all corners and smaller areas.
• Remove excess cement.
• Finish with whiting powder.
• Clean and polish the piece.

To complete the copper foil method:

• Clean each glass piece after it has been smoothed with the grinder.
• Apply foil tape around the sides of the glass. It is important to make sure that the foil is centered and neatly applied.
• Arrange the pieces according to the pattern, apply flux, and solder both sides of the piece.
• Attach a hanger on smaller pieces, or assemble as needed.
• Use flux remover to remove the chemical from the piece. Scrub with soap and water.
• Apply patina if desired. Allow to dry, and wash the piece with soap and water.
• Polish and apply finishing compound.

It is important to remember that creating stained glass requires working with hazardous chemicals, extreme heat, and above all, glass. When working on any project of this nature, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, and utilize safety equipment such as goggles and gloves. When breaking glass, stray shards are inevitable, and should be swept away as soon as possible. Also, be sure to wash your hands to remove any chemical residue, which can cause skin irritation.

Trends

Stained glass has become more popular in modern homes and as a hobby in the twenty-first century. Computer software and mobile applications have made creating patterns (including complex patterns) for stained glass more efficient. Although it is traditionally used in windows, stained glass is also found in nightlights, sun catchers, candle holders, lamps, holiday décor, jewelry, room dividers, cabinets, and as sculpture or as insets in furniture. As windows made from stained glass tend to be less energy efficient, people conscious of saving energy in their homes, a concern that has also increased, are sometimes hesitant to include them. Many people use unique pieces made from stained glass to give their contemporary home more variety, and as larger pieces such as windows can prove costly to commission from professionals, hobbyists sometimes turn to learning to make smaller accent pieces on their own.

Stained Glass for Fun vs. Profit

Stained glass can be both an enjoyable hobby and a profitable business. Initial investment can be expensive, but once established with basic tools, a hobbyist will probably only need to replenish glass and chemical supplies as needed.

Artisans who create stained glass professionally make a significant investment in quality tools and materials. Custom-made stained glass windows are generally sold for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Many artisans also offer repair work for existing stained glass, and teach classes to hobbyists who want to learn the craft.

Learning More

Organizations

The Stained Glass Association of America <http://www.stainedglass.org/>

Artists in Stained Glass <http://www.aisg.on.ca/>

Stained Glass Artists <http://www.stainedglassartists.com/>

Books

Ebeling, Eric, et al., editors. Basic Stained Glass Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started. Stockpole, 2003.

Wardell, Randy A., et al., editors. Quick Success Stained Glass: A Beginner's Instruction Guide. Wardell, 1992.

Wrigley, Lynette and Marc Gerstein. The Complete Stained Glass Course: How to Master Every Major Glass Work Technique, with Thirteen Stunning Projects to Create. Apple Press, 2000.