Stained glass
Stained glass is a type of glazing material that is coloured (stained), either by the addition of metallic salts during the manufacturing process, or by having colour applied to its surface and then being fired in a kiln to fuse the colour to the glass.
Stained glass can be used for a wide range of purposes, but it is most commonly found in flat panels in windows. Stained glass windows typically comprise small pieces of coloured glass held in place by a latticed web of lead strips formed within a rigid frame. The pieces are often arranged to create patterns or pictorial representations, often depicting religious iconography.
Stained glass windows are commonly associated with cathedrals, churches, mosques and other important buildings such as libraries and town halls. In England, the use of simple stained glass windows dates back to the 7th century, and by the 12th century they had become a sophisticated art form. However, following the Reformation in the 16th century, when sacred art began to decline in prominence, the craft of manufacturing stained glass began to dwindle.
Historic England 2020 Stained Glass Windows: Managing Environmental Deterioration, Swindon, Historic England, published in 2020 states: ‘Stained glass is not the only means of producing a decorative window; others include etching, engraving or ‘fritting’. One of the most important alternative methods is dalle-de-verre, where thick pieces of glass are set directly into a matrix of resin or concrete. This technique was used to form some of the most dramatic and important stained glass in the periods before and immediately after World War II, but as with all innovative systems, it can sometimes present serious conservation challenges. More tricky still to preserve are windows incorporating fibreglass, or even plastic.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Carlisle cathedral.
- Clerestory.
- Conserving Canterbury Cathedral's Great South Window.
- Curved glass.
- Decorative glass.
- Environmental protective glazing.
- Glass.
- Glazing.
- Horror vacui.
- Large-scale murals.
- Lavatorium.
- Lead glass.
- Ordinary people in stained glass.
- Rose window.
- Stained glass window guidance.
- The history of glass.
- Kempe: the life, art and legacy of Charles Eamer Kempe.
- Trompe l’oeil.
- Types of window.
[edit] External references
IHBC NewsBlog
'Restoration and Renewal: Developing the strategic case' Published
The House of Commons Library has published the research briefing, outlining the different options for the Palace of Westminster.
Brum’s Broad Street skyscraper plans approved with unusual rule for residents
A report by a council officer says that the development would provide for a mix of accommodation in a ‘high quality, secure environment...
English Housing Survey 2022 to 2023
Initial findings from the English Housing Survey 2022 to 2023 have been published.
Audit Wales research report: Sustainable development?
A new report from Audit Wales examines how Welsh Councils are supporting repurposing and regeneration of vacant properties and brownfield sites.
New Guidance Launched on ‘Understanding Special Historic Interest in Listing’
Historic England (HE) has published this guidance to help people better understand special historic interest, one of the two main criteria used to decide whether a building can be listed or not.
"Conservation Professional Practice Principles" to be updated by IHBC, HTVF, CV
IHBC, HTVF, and CV look to renew this cross-sector statement on practice principles for specialists working in built and historic environment conservation roles.
Context No 177 Issued - Themed on working with Glass
Topics range from Manchester Cathedral’s stained glass to the long reign of Vitrolite, plus the IHBC North-West Branch conference and more.
Part of historic Old Courthouse in Cockermouth collapses into river
A section has fallen away and landed in the River Cocker below, including the back walls over three floors, sections of flooring and parts of the roof.
Scaffolding removed from Salisbury Cathedral after 37 years
Starting with a survey in 1986, the 'topping out' ceremony took place 7 Sep 2023.
Demolition of Kirkcaldy’s Category B former Kitty’s nightclub
Following a fire, engineers confirmed that the building faced complete demolition.