Stained Glass Windows

Craigdarroch Castle

Stained glass is a beautiful art form. When most people envision stained glass windows they think of cathedral and churches. In fact, there is evidence of stained glass windows in some of the very early churches. But, these windows could also be found in medieval castles and there was a revival around the turn of the century in the Victorian Era, where the wealthy added them to their homes.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Traditionally, the colored glass is made by adding metallic salt to the glass when it's being made. However, it's possible to paint the glass and then fire it in a kiln to set the color. Modern techniques have added more possibilities. The skill is in cutting the glass into intricate pieces and joining them together with lead or some type of solder. The art is in the design. The use of colored glass dates back at least to Egyptian and then Roman times.

Castile

Europe is covered with gorgeous examples of stained glass. In the United States, J & R Lamb established a studio in New York in 1857 and was the major producer for many years. John LaFarge received a U.S. patent in 1880 for a type of opalescent glass and produced stained glass. But the best-known stained glass artist, was Louis Comfort Tiffany, who is believed to have first used copper foil as an alternative to lead. He produced windows, lamps, and other decorations that are still sought and copied today.

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