We make a variety of bespoke stained glass and leaded lights in traditional and alternative designs, using traditional methods and materials. These are generally for regular glazing (maybe where you want an alternative to conventional clear obscured glass), or for hanging or standing in front of existing windows, including
double glazed units. The are fully weather proof, but can also be used in interior decoration.
We also undertake repairs.
we will:
- produce new panels to match or complement your existing glass
- work with you and your designs to produce new leaded coloured glass panels
- prepare and execute designs from your ideas and brief
- come up with design ideas for you
- install the finished piece if required (its common for newly installed windows to be backed up with regular or toughened glass for additional security)
we work:
- with the traditional materials of lead cames (or calms) and
coloured glass, cut by hand to the design (the cartoon), fitted
together (leaded up), the lead joints fluxed (with tallow) and
soldered together, cemented in (with a special putty) and finally
finished with blacklead.
- sometimes introducing elements using the copper foil technique - often seen
in lamp shades and pioneered by Tiffany - who also produced windows in this
medium.
- using foil for finer detail where the width of the lead stops us achieving
this.
- with an initial set of drawings including a cartoon, and these are
used for cutting and assembly.
we do not:
- use self adhesive lead strips combined with coloured lacquers to create our
work. These are non-traditional mass production type methods, often seen in
double glazed windows and casements. They lack the visual impact of the
traditional techniques since they use a single usually flat glass, in a rigid
plane and much of the reflection and life of a proper leaded pane is lost.