The New EGD Glass Website

EGD Glass is pleased to welcome you to our new website! We have worked to develop a new, mobile-friendly website to better serve the needs of our clients.

The new site will allow you to learn more about our company, our services and how we can work with you to achieve your goals. EGD Glass proudly offer our clients an individually tailored service throughout all stages of planning, design, fabrication and installation, depending on what your needs may be.

Visit the new EGD Glass Shop to browse our selection of reclaimed stained glass windows. Do you see something you like? Use our built in request a price feature to find out the cost of one or more reclaimed windows.

What do you think of our new site? Let us know in the comments below or send us an email.

EGD Glass Receives Award of Merit from Heritage Toronto

EGD Glass has received an Award of Merit in the William Greer Architectural Conservation and Craftsmanship category in the 41st Heritage Toronto Award ceremony held on October 13, 2015.

EGD Glass was recognized along side Takashi Tsuji Architects, William N. Greer, Heritage Mills Historic Building Conservation Inc., and Sonterlan Corp., as part of the team contributing to the restoration and conservation of the Toronto Bell Cote. The restoration of the Toronto Bell Cote was undertaken by Sukyo Mahikari Canada.

The William Greer Architectural Conservation and Craftsmanship awards recognize owners who have undertaken projects to restore or adapt buildings or structures that have been in existence for 40 years or more, or are included on the City of Toronto’s Inventory of Heritage Properties.

The Toronto Bell Cote is the only wood framed church in Toronto and possesses a rich local history. The building was on the verge of collapse in 2010 when renovations began to restore and preserve it. EGD Glass was called upon to restore the damaged stained glass windows.

The team completed the renovation, which also included a new foundation and basement, steel framing and wood restoration through out, in 2014.

Originally built in 1895, the Toronto Bell Cote was once known as Holy Trinity Anglican Church, located in Malton, ON. After falling into disuse, the building was relocated to it’s current site in 1923 and renamed St. Matthias Anglican Church. The congregation of St. Matthias relocated in 1957 and the building was later designated a heritage site by the City of Toronto in 2003.

Reclaimed Decorative Stained Glass Panel For Sale

This stained glass window is believed to have come from a church in Quebec, and may have originally had roots in Dublin, Ireland. The window was an existing feature of a house purchased by the owner in 1978.

The historic window is a double lancet/Gothic top stained glass window with single tracery. Three panels are set into a substantial wooden frame of either pine or maple. The panels are a combination of opalescent and cathedral glass with two symbols, which are painted and stained.

The first of the two symbols is the Cross of Lorraine, a French symbol associated with the office of Archbishop. The second symbol, a harp, has it’s origins in the Catholic Church in Ireland.

The window, including frame, stands a total of 90” high and 36” wide. It is estimated to be circa 1900. The artist and studio are unknown.

The window is in overall good condition, though there are a few minor glass breaks in the panels.

View the window on our website or contact Eve Guinan for more information.

How Do I Choose A Stained Glass Specialist?

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.

Stained Glass Restoration at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Toronto

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.

Caring For Heritage Windows In The Winter

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.

Check For Damage

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:

• Movement of any glass panels.
• Damage to the T-Bars and saddle bars, such as buckling or loose copper ties. These bars provide support to prevent bowing and sagging.
• Damage to the sealant used to install glass panels into both stone reglets and steel frames. Inspect the adhesion of both interior and exterior surfaces.
• Damage to any vents and weepholes.
• Loose or missing putty. This needs to be replaced on a regular basis as stained glass windows rely on a tight, waterproof setting.
• Broken glass.

Cleaning

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.

10 Reasons To Repair Your Old Windows

Your old windows are looking a bit warn out these days. They might even be drafty or damaged. Are you thinking of replacing them?

Think again before replacing your heritage windows. According to the National Trust For Historic Preservation, old windows are easily repaired and can be just as energy efficient as a new window.

Check out this list of 10 Reasons to Repair Your Old Windows.

What’s Lurking In Your Crypt?

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?

Reclaiming Stained Glass at St. Philip On The Hill

By Tanya Baleta

A rose window at St. Philip On The Hill.

In 2010 a small church on Caribou Road in Toronto closed its doors forever.

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?”

Repair Or Replace Old Windows

From commercial structures to residences, windows are a large part of historic buildings. According to the National Trust For Historic Preservation, even minor changes to these windows can drastically alter the way a building looks.

Much needs to be considered before deciding to swap historic windows for modern replacements. Modern windows typically have a lifespan of 20 years, while their historic counterparts continue to go strong after 50 to 100 years.

Read more about how to decide the future of your historic windows in Repair Or Replace Old Windows: A Visual Look At The Impacts.