Stained Glass

Stained glass windows history began around 300 AD, being introduced into newly built churches by architects of that era. The beautifully designed glass told stories from the bible and soon began to be known as the poor man's bible. During the 16th Century there was much destruction to churches due to religious upset which, led to a need for restoration of stained glass windows.
During the 18th century the use of colored windows was no longer fashionable so there was no longer a great demand for glass art. Specialists within this field started to focus on restoring glass in churches and grand homes.

Due to World War II many designs had been lost or burnt during the bombing. Most files had been recycled into fire and other things. Artists during the great restoration period had to be taught the old technique of using glass colored within a pot, painted fired and then connected with lead. Using hydrofluoric acid to treat corroded glass and then scraped the glass with a metal tool. If the artist felt that the glass could not be restored new panels would be fitted.
In the 1800's stained glass came back into fashion with the influence of Tiffany glass, bold colors used on flat areas and heavily lined. It wasn't until the 1900's that colored glass windows were being used again by architects worldwide.