Historic glass windows are unique treasures that allow us a rare glimpse into history.
Some historic windows have been subject to careless repairs.
Tragically, many windows have been lost to the devastation of time and improper care. But in the hands of an experienced stained glass specialist these windows can be enjoyed for centuries to come.
Caring for historic glass is an art and care must be taken in choosing the right studio and specialist. But how do you know who has the right skills and knowledge to restore and care for your windows?
We’ve compiled a list of simple ways you can help ensure you’re dealing with a professional.
1) Solicit bids from experienced studios. An accredited conservator-restorer will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to work with your historic windows.
2) A representative will visit you to conduct an on site visual inspection of the window. The studio will them submit a written bid and proposal.
3) Request a list of previous restorations and references from the studio.
A professional will seek to conserve as much of the original window as possible.
4) Follow up with these previous clients and examine the windows listed in the studio’s portfolio. Ask references how well the studio respected their needs, if they fulfilled their contract and if the client was pleased with the overall result.
5) While reviewing your options keep in mind an experienced professional will seek to conserve as much of the original window as possible. Proper restoration will not interfere with the structural or artistic integrity of the window, and can be undone without damage.
6) Restoring historic stained glass is an expensive task – the lowest bid is not necessarily the best buy.
Are you interested in working with EGD Glass on your next glass project? Contact us today to request a proposal.
During the spring of 2014 a team from EGD Glass is working to install the north windows at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Toronto. An ongoing restoration of all of the stained glass windows in the church is in process. Stay tuned for more information about the completed restoration.
EGD Glass has been featured in the Toronto Star. A team from EGD Glass is working to restore the 75-year-old stained glass windows that line the chapel at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
EGD’s goal at St. Michael’s is to maintain the historical integrity of the stained glass by using as much of the original material as possible. The windows were designed by Yvonne Williams, regarded by many as the greatest Canadian stained glass artist of the 20th century.
We expect to finish this project by December. Read more in the Toronto Star.
Before and after cleaning.
By Tanya Baleta
There’s a bit of a chill in the air this week as temperatures dip below zero. While preparing for the colder months, don’t forget your stained glass and heritage windows need a bit of extra attention. By taking a few steps to prepare for the winter, you can help ensure your historic windows will maintain their original quality.
Make sure there is no damage to your windows as extreme weather conditions can exacerbate existing cracks and breaks.
Ripling lead is an indicator of lose glass panels. It is best to call a professional.
Be on the lookout for:
Remove vines from the perimeter of historic windows.
The good news is, stained glass windows tend to do a better job of hiding dirt and grime than clear windows. However, it is important to maintain a cleaning regimine. EGD Glass recommends cleaning both the inside and outside of your historic windows at least every two years. Windows that are accessible from the ground often require cleaning once a year.
First, remove all vines and growth from around the perimeter of the windows.
Steel frames and hardware:
Vacuum the space and hinges between the frame and the window. Dust and grime can build up in this area and prevent casement windows from closing properly.
Hardware should be kept clean and in working order. Contact a professional if you notice that the hardware is not functioning properly.
Debris in the channels will prevent the window from closing properly.
Glass and lead came cleaning:
Remove finger marks and dirt with a speciality glass cleaner and a soft, lint-free cloth. Stained glass windows are especially sensitive to acids, so off-the-shelf products containing ammonia or other abrasive chemicals should never be used.
EGD Glass strongly advises that all of the above work be carried out by an accredited stained glass firm that is experienced in the conservation field. A professional will be able to help you properly clean and seal the lead cames dividing the glass panels.
Taking the time to properly maintain your stained glass windows prolongs their life, but also delays the necessity of any possible restoration efforts. Preventative maintenance ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy them for years to come.
This stained glass window was hung after being found in the basement at St. Paul’s Bloor Street, an Anglican church in Toronto, during a restoration project.
While not much is known of it’s origins, it is a regimental window of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. Historically, pelicans were believed to be particularly attentive to their young. This window depicts the Christian image of a pelican wounding her own breast to feed her young when no other food was available. The pelican came to symbolise the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, as well as the Eucharist.
Have you checked to see what’s lurking in your crypt?
A rose window at St. Philip On The Hill.
St. Philip the Apostle, consecrated in the 1950s, faced dwindling Sunday attendance.
EGD Glass was called upon to remove and store the historic stained glass windows, including two rose windows. All the windows were designed and fabricated by renowned Canadian glass artist, Yvonne Williams.
“Yvonne Williams is regarded as one of the finest 20th century stained glass artists in Canada,” said Eve Guinan, owner of EGD Glass. “What’s amazing about her work is her painting and use of colour. The quality of the work is incredible.”
Eve Guinan restored the rose window.
While the Anglican Diocese engaged in discussion to determine the fate of the stained glass, Eve took on a project at a church called St. Philip On The Hill in Unionville. While preparing to design new stained glass windows for the church’s narthex, she caught a glimpse of a rose window without any stained glass in it.
“I knew exactly where to find a rose window that would fit the opening,” said Eve. “I told St. Philip On The Hill about the rose windows and they thought it was a fantastic idea.”
After some discussion with the Anglican Diocese, it was decided one of the rose windows would be reclaimed and installed at St. Philip On The Hill, with the second being reserved for a church in Brampton.
Eve set to work restoring the rose window. Though it had not been repaired since it was installed around 1959, the window remained in good condition with only minor cracks and breaks.
The round window was divided into four pieces. When set in the original concrete opening at St. Philip The Apostle, the pieces combined to create a circle. However, without the concrete to act as a frame the pieces did not fit properly together.
The rose window is divided into four pieces, as seen at St. Philip The Apostle.
“To remedy the problem we had a round steel frame made with a spot for each of the four pieces and the same spacing as the original concrete opening,” explained Eve.
After a weeks worth of repairs, the steel frame and historic glass were installed at St. Philip On The Hill in 2012.
“The final product is beautiful,” said the Rev. Stephen Kern, Incumbent at St. Philip On The Hill. “It’s not just a window, it’s a functional piece of our worship space.”
According to the the Rev. Kern, Eve was sensitive to the congregation’s needs during the installation period. “We’re working with a church and a community of people – not just an individual,” he explained. “The window went up without disrupting any services or moving any pews.”
The window is entirely handmade and features a striking grid pattern. The artist utilized rich colour, heavy painting, small pieces of glass and a simplified drawing technique.
“You simply can’t get handmade glass like that any more,” said Eve. “There are maybe two or three companies out there making a very limited amount, so it’s very expensive.”
The window was dedicated to Florence May 1882-1959, “To the Glory of God” – “Rest in Peace” – “Gentle”.
Historic reclaimed glass is often a higher quality product than modern glass, and yet has a lower price tag.
The rose window, which was dedicated to the memory of Florence May (1882-1959), also has historical significance. “We’ve been able to take the legacy of another person’s love for that individual and carry it forward into our worship space,” said the Rev. Kern. “It connects us in a spiritual way with a broader community of worshipping Christians.”
Reclaiming stained glass is also an opportunity to be more environmentally friendly, as is reduces emissions and consumption of raw materials.
“I’m interested in greening our worship space and in environmental stewardship,” said the Rev. Kern. “We were able to reclaim and renew instead of produce from scratch.”
According to Eve, reclaiming stained glass is an opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint. “I believe in recycling,” she said. “Plus, you’ll be getting a beautiful piece of our heritage that will live on – so why not?”
The oval shaped stained glass dome.
This oval-shaped stained glass dome is comprised of curved glass panels, set into a custom made steel sectioned frame. The design makes use of bevels and jewels in a traditional pattern. The glass is coloured a brilliant sky-blue and peach, with clear texture. It is a contemporary version of the original hand rolled machine made glass in “seedy marine” and “ripple” patterns.
The dome occupies a footprint of approximately 9 by 12 feet, and is 50 inches high at its centre. The dome has remained in excellent condition, having been housed and well protected in a dome room. The frame disassembles into sections for easy transportation.
View the dome on our website or contact Eve Guinan for more information.
The dome is 9 by 12 feet, and is 50 inches high at its centre.
Panel before repair by EGD
As a final note to the restoration of the Macaulay Museum Church in Picton, the stained glass window in the vestibule was reinstated in August 2013.
The original panel was reportedly removed from a local church in Picton and installed in the vestibule, both the date and story have yet to be verified.
Panel after repair by EGD
The panel was in poor condition when EGD carried out the stained glass survey in 2010.
The restoration of the panel was not included in the 2010 – 11 refurbishment program. The ‘Friends of Macaulay Heritage Park’ volunteers took it upon themselves to find the funds to restore the window.
The restoration included maintaining as much of the original glass as possible, replicating the filigree stencilled pattern and acknowledging the key supporters of the restoration program.
Detail of restored window
These stained glass window depicting the life of Jesus were designed for St. George Anglican Church, East Toronto. The windows were designed and fabricated in Toronto by a local glass artist and are approximately 40 years old, they are painted and fired in the traditional technique. The church was closed in 2011.
This example shows you a full length view of the window in place. This the 11 panel type which is the bulk of this lot except the nativity ( a nine panel set) and the smaller saints group of two windows.
Look at all the windows in Lot 177 by following this link:
http://www.egdglass.com/reclaim-listing
Stained Glass In America 