Hand made glass leaded lights

This pair of panels is made using hand-made glass (known as 'antique') - which is considerably more costly than the more commonly used machine or semi-machine made art glasses. Apart from the far more varied surface and the presence of small bubbles (seeds), the thickness of the glass varies, introducing subtle changes in colour, within the same piece of glass. This glass was fitted in June 2010 in an old Kentish farm house, which was undergoing extensive renovation. The brief was to produce some feature panels, whilst remaining sympathetic to the age of the building - hence the choice of this type of glass which is made in the ancient manner.
Its interesting to note the differences in the appearance of the glass, against a neutral background, and from each side in the finished installation.

The sandblasted work shown in the previous post, which is based on the badge of the original builders of the house, and which is present on the exterior walls can also be seen here, along with the Roman numerals for 2010, acknowledging the current restoration.
This was created by being re-drawn by an artist from a photograph of the original badge, scanning the drawing, cutting a plastic film 'resist', which is then applied to the glass prior to sandblasting

Sandblasted glass decoration

Examples of sandblasting using different intensities and depths to achieve a variety of effects.  The glass used in the final installation was 8.8mm laminated, to provide depth and safety.  Installed in Shadoxhurst, Kent for one of our regular clients, along with a pair of traditional leaded panels

Blackheath Stained glass

Pair of new leaded door panels using a mixture of English Muffle Glass and Sahara/Corella, with a red border with outer uncoloured border in Water Glass from Spectrum.  Client decided against a traditional painted centre, in favour of a leaded motif based on some of the stucco work in this Edwardian house in Blackheath, SE3.  Fitted in June 2010

Restored leaded light

A building maintenance company removed the damaged panel and delivered it to us to repalce the broken glass and relead. They took care of the refitting.

Restored stained glass - Balham

This pair of panels, which had been partly restored in the past, had suffered bowing and a few broken pieces - mainly because they were inadequately retained in the door. Previous work had replaced one of the painted birds (presumably broken) with a plain disc of glass We were asked to restore the panels, and make them more secure. A new bird was provided and the panels partly disassembled and then re-leaded. They were refitted in June 2010 behind panels of laminated safety glass.

Installation of leaded panels behind laminated safety glass affords much greater security, since it is almost impossible to penetrate.  It also provides protection to the leaded panel, particularly for busy households. If installed on the outside – providing maximum deterrent factor, the outer sheet of glass means that the external appearance particularly in daylight is different to an unprotected panel due to reflections.The appearance from the inside is unaffected.  Some clients decide that they prefer the unprotected option, whist others are happy to accept the look, given the security provided; the unchanged appearance from the inside, and that at night the internal lighting, usually from the hall, tends to overcome the reflections, which are quite visible in this shot.

Leaded glass - Kew

These 3 leaded glass panels were fitted behind the clear glass already present in the doors and side panles - this was possible because the rebates had sufficient depth. The house number was fitted in a panel above the door and was produced as a sandblasted (an effect similar to etching) panel. Fitted June 2010.

Etched house number

Actually its not 'etched' - it's sandblasted - a 'resist' of adhesive film is produced with the desired pattern cut out and this is then applied to the glass - in this case to 6.4mm clear laminated safety glass. It's then subject to a stream of 'sand' fired at it in an air-jet. The effect is similar to acid-etching. The sandblasted surface is then treated to help stop dirt accumulating. All manner of patterns may be produced on glass in this way.