The History and Techniques of Stained Glass


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Stained glass is a very old art form dating back to the middle ages. It gets it name from the fact that artisans would use silver based stains on the glass and then fire it in a kiln. By regulating the heat and amount of oxygen in the kiln, they could produce a variety of different colors on the glass. Originally, stained glass was used in churches to tell a largely illiterate public the gospel story.

Today, stained glass is seen everywhere! Stained glass is in our homes in the form of lamps, room dividers, cabinet doors, entry doors, sidelights,transoms and accent windows.

      Tropical Muse Stained glass windows are made one of two different ways. The oldest method is the lead came method. This method dates back to the middle ages. Lead strips were made with a channel in them. The channel was deep enough to accomadate the thickness of the glass. These lead strips created a web work frame to hold the glass in place.

      The other method for making stained glass window isn't nearly as old. It is called the "copper foil" method. This method was developed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. He developed this method so that he could make his beautiful bent shade lamps he is so famous for. In this method strips of copper are wrapped around each individual piece of glass. The pieces of glass are then placed close together and a lead/tin solder alloy is used to solder all the pieces together.










Barrett Art Glass

315 Riggs St NW
Salem, Oregon 97304
503 551-5850
e-mail:Lynda@BarrettArtGlass.com

last updated February 26, 2009

All glass images are the property of Lynda Barrett. They cannot be used without permission.