Stained Glass Commissions
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STAINED GLASS COMMISSIONS
The majority of new leaded lights we produce are for clients who live in period properties. Some of these properties are up to 150 years old, therefore over the years many original features including stained glass or leaded lights have been removed/replaced with (at the time) modern alternatives.
Unfortunately, these modern alternatives date fairly quickly, and the properties lose their charm and character. However, the craft of leaded light making is very much still alive, and we do it exactly the same way as it would have been done 150 years ago (except for gas or electric soldering irons).
THE PROCESS
We usually start with images or ideas the customer has sent us, these could be pictures found online or leaded lights from a neighbouring property. Sometimes we get the client started with examples of traditional designs that would be in keeping with their property.
An appointment is made for Damian or James to and carry out a survey.
An initial design proposal is then sent, and changes can be made from there until the client is happy with the design.
Another appointment is made for us to go through the glass with the client, this can be at their home or at our workshop. We use ranges from many suppliers including many different colours and textures. We aim to guide the client through this process and help them choose a pallet that is suitable. A colour proposal can then be made for the client to help visual how it will look once completed.
We will then draw out the cartoon (scale drawing of the design) by hand.
The glass is then cut and laid out ready for leading. Again, the glass is all cut by hand.
We then begin to build the leaded light using lead came. It is cut with a lead knife and butted up to one another. Lapping over the edge of each piece of glass by between 1-5mm depending on the width of lead came.
Now we really begin to see what it’s going to look like as the leaded light is now built. Once we have double checked the size and squareness (if appropriate). We apply flu to each lead joint and solder it together. The joints are brushed clean of residue, and we turn it over and do the same on the other side.
At this stage the glass will rattle against the lead, and it will still feel unstable. We then apply leaded light cement (basically Linseed Oil and Calcium Carbonate with Black colouring) to achieve a seal between the glass and the lead. This can take up to 2 weeks to fully harden, but once cured the leaded light is fully weatherproofed and very sturdy.
The final stage is to polish. We clean any residue left over from the cementing process and buff the lead with polish until it is shiny and blackened. We do I final check to ensure no polish or cement/dirt/oil is left on the glass. Then we are ready to install the leaded light.
To look at some examples our previous work View Our Gallery Here
