Conservation Restoration
The approach to a stained glass conservation or restoration project differs from that of a new glass project. It is influenced by the history of the artwork, the artistic significance, the materials used, the budget and the client’s needs. Decisions regarding the approach must be made on a case-by-case basis, guided by the conservationist’s experience, sensitivity and skill in this specialized field. Window audits can be conducted initially to generate recommendations regarding conservation, restoration and thermal protection.
An extensive process of examination and documentation begins each conservation and restoration project. The windows are studied and photographed in place, followed by comprehensive written and photographic documentation in the Studio. Rubbings on acid-free vellum record exact measurements, as well as every nuance of the glass and leading texture.
The preservation community today prefers conservation over restoration. The primary difference is that window conservation involves saving every piece of glass except those that are beyond repair. Cracked glass is either repaired with conservation mending leads or edge-glued with conservation epoxy or silicone that has been tinted to match, thus minimizing the appearance of cracks.
Stained glass restoration entails returning the stained glass to its original appearance. Broken glass is matched and replaced, glass painting is replicated, and the kiln firing is duplicated. For missing glass in both procedures, research is conducted to identify its design and coloration for reproduction. The results from the conservation and restoration of a window are dramatic, as the artwork is completely rejuvenated.
Every stained glass window possesses unique characteristics that necessitate an individualized approach to conservation, restoration or maintenance. Fortunately, there are a number of general guidelines that can assist in determining the need for a professional inspection of your windows
For important information regarding the safeguarding of your sacred artwork, see our new Stained Glass Appraisal Guidelines Booklet.
View the following CSS stained glass videos highlighting the conservation of the historic stained glass windows at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN.
Click on a thumbnail image below to view a larger photo.
- All Faiths Chapel at Father Flanagan’s Boy’s Home
- AngelsGrace Hospice
- Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
- Basilica of Holy Hill, National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians
- Basilica of St. Josaphat - Interior Restoration
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame - Restoration
- Bethlehem Lutheran Church
- Bishop O’Donnell Holy Name Memorial Chapel
- Broad Street Presbyterian Church
- Carmelite Monastery of New Orleans
- Cathedral Church of St. Mary’s
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
- Cathedral of the Assumption
- Christ Church
- Church of St. Albert the Great
- Delta United Methodist Church
- Discalced Carmelite Monastery
- Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun
- First Congregational Church
- Gesu Parish, Marquette University, Glass Conservation
- Gonzaga Preparatory School
- Greendale Community Church - New Stained Glass
- Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish
- Holy Spirit Catholic Church
- Immanuel Presbyterian Church
- La Porte Hospital
- La Porte Hospital Family Tree Window
- Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary
- Old St. Patrick’s Church
- Old Stone Church, First Presbyterian
- Our Lady of the Isle Church
- Our Shepherd Lutheran Church
- River Terrace Church
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church
- Sacred Heart Cultural Center
- San Camillo Retirement Community
- St. Ann’s Intergenerational Center
- St. Anne Catholic Church
- St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church
- St. Augustine Catholic Church
- St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church
- St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
- St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
- St. James Catholic Church
- St. John Neumann Catholic Church - New glass, murals and decorative painting
- St. John the Baptist Church
- St. John the Baptist Church
- St. Joseph Convent
- St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral
- St. Louis Church
- St. Luke Episcopal Church
- St. Mary Magdalen
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church
- St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
- St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum
- St. Pius X Catholic Church
- St. Theresa of Avila
- St. Therese Chapel
- St. Vincent de Paul Church
- St. Vincent de Paul Church
- Temple Emanuel
- United Presbyterian Church
- University of Notre Dame, Duncan Hall
- University of Notre Dame, Geddes Hall Chapel
- University of Notre Dame, Law School Chapel
- University of Notre Dame, Stinson-Remick Hall
- Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ - Stained Glass Conservation
There are no related portfolio pieces for this type pf project. Please check back often as we are constantly updating our portfolio.
- AngelsGrace Hospice
- Atlas Development
- King Ranch
- La Porte Hospital
- Milwaukee’s Grain Exchange
- Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
- Newcastle Place
- Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
- SMU Dallas Hall
- St. Louis Union Station
- St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum
- University of Notre Dame, Ryan Hall
- Walter Library, University of Minnesota
- Wisconsin Heart and Vascular Offices
There are no related portfolio pieces for this type pf project. Please check back often as we are constantly updating our portfolio.
Start Your Project Right. Call Us Today For a Consultation 800-969-3033.