Ann
[Instructor Name]
[Course Number]
18 February 2019
Restoration and Preservation of Historic Stained Glass
The glass is a medium that is highly versatile. It can be spun, blown, casted in any shape when it is in the molten state. Colored glass can be polished engraved and painted. Among all the possible decorative properties of the glass, the most impressive decorative property is associated with stained glass. Stained glass often referred to colored glass tinted or enameled with true glass known as the stain. Terms stained glass, and leaded glass can be used interchangeably. Stained glass has played an essential role in windows and other building decorations since ancient Rome ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"Fbt2lwFB","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Machado)","plainCitation":"(Machado)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":77,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/FQT77KZC"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/FQT77KZC"],"itemData":{"id":77,"type":"article-journal","title":"Historical Stained Glass Painting Techniques Technology and preservation","author":[{"family":"Machado","given":"Andreia Sofia Simões Gouveia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2018"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Machado). In America, stained glass can be found in a variety of colors textures, and patterns. It is present in all types of building architectures ranging from a great cathedral to a bungalow. Stained glass remained a prominent feature of buildings the civil war. Stained glass is of great significance in American history. This research paper elaborates the restoration and preservation of stained glass in historical contexts.
In the second half of the 19th century, there was a golden time of the American glass industry. Although the stained glass can be found throughout the United States, the major manufacturing plants were based in Northeast and Midwest areas. It is due to the availability of natural ingredients for glass and coal resources for kilns in these areas. Many of the studios providing the works of art on stained glass were also located in these central areas. As a result of this growth in the industry an association for glass manufacturers known as National Ornamental Glass Manufacturers was established that is currently known as the Stained-glass association in America ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"SKBbAl3R","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Tutton et al.)","plainCitation":"(Tutton et al.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":78,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/3ULWGNF4"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/3ULWGNF4"],"itemData":{"id":78,"type":"book","title":"Windows: History, repair and conservation","publisher":"Routledge","ISBN":"1-317-74270-2","author":[{"family":"Tutton","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Hirst","given":"Elizabeth"},{"family":"Louw","given":"Hentie"},{"family":"Pearce","given":"Jill"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2015"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Tutton et al.). Like any other material used in building architecture and construction stained glass also suffers from the wear and tear over time. Due to the historical context of stained glass and its preservation, before undertaking any treatment of reservation of historic stained glass every effort should be observed to understand and record its history. Documenting the history of stained glass used in a building while performing the restoration or preservation actions requires extensive research to appropriately record the historical values such as the manufacturer information, style studio and true age of the glass.
An important marker in understanding the true historical value of the stained glass is the history of building itself. The building containing stained glass in windows or doors provided with clues to the history of the stained glass. While trying to renovate or preserve the glass work the construction date and other major relevant dates must be ascertained. It is important because the later building modification campaigns may have changed the original traces to the actual history of the stained glass. This is especially the case with buildings of historical importance such as churches and temples ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"dUYR9EhH","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Grimmer)","plainCitation":"(Grimmer)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":79,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/AG9ABKIJ"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/AG9ABKIJ"],"itemData":{"id":79,"type":"book","title":"The Secretary of the Interior's standards for the treatment of historic properties: With guidelines for preserving, rehabilitating, restoring & reconstructing historic buildings","publisher":"Government Printing Office","ISBN":"0-16-093483-4","author":[{"family":"Grimmer","given":"Anne E."}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2017"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Grimmer). Most of the churches and temples of historical significance were built in ancient times without the decoration work of stained glass. Stained glass works were added later on when finances allowed to do so. The reverse is also true in this case because the stained-glass windows and other decoration material of glass may be older than the building itself. It may have been removed from another building and then installed in the new building. The best thing to consult in such cases is to consult the bills and inventory documents to know about the exact date of manufacturing or installation of the glass.
The composition of the stained glass and the stylistic elements as well also provide details about the dating of the glass. The inspection of such properties and elements requires a broad knowledge of architecture and history of the artwork of buildings. The first question a researcher may investigate is whether the glass style fit with the general style of the building. It will help to establish the fact that the building is older, or the glass is older than the building itself. Framing and surrounding elements of stained-glass windows also contribute to the establishment of historical blocks to categories the actual time in history. For example, an iron frame of the stained-glass window may represent the 1850's era; a steel frame may indicate the World War I era ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"KxpeQqPY","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Palomar et al.)","plainCitation":"(Palomar et al.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":80,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/UXEAZLM8"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/UXEAZLM8"],"itemData":{"id":80,"type":"article-journal","title":"The Influence of Environment in the Alteration of the Stained-Glass Windows in Portuguese Monuments","container-title":"Heritage","page":"365-376","volume":"1","issue":"2","author":[{"family":"Palomar","given":"Teresa"},{"family":"Redol","given":"Pedro"},{"family":"Cruz Almeida","given":"Isabel"},{"family":"Pereira da Silva","given":"Eduardo"},{"family":"Vilarigues","given":"Marcia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2018"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Palomar et al.). Similarly, a cast stone frame may indicate that the glass has been installed after 1900. The glass itself can help in the dating of the stained glass because glass is virtually not prone to deterioration, so extensive care is required while examining the glass. Glass windows of the pre-1880 era usually have smooth, translucent colors in the glass. If it contains the jewels as well, then it can be inferred that the glass is from the 1890s.
Three elements in a stained-glass structure are prone to deterioration including the glass, supporting frames of the glass and any enamel or painted work of the glass. All of these elements require preservation and restoration to preserve the historical beauty of architectural work of buildings. Glass is generally immune to deterioration over time by the natural process of the environment. Most of the glass used in American construction even in the 19th century is stable. The stability of the glass is governed by the variation in the manufacturing process such as the increased use of silica and soda lime as a replacement to the alkaline potash ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"wjliXuQE","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Meulebroeck et al.)","plainCitation":"(Meulebroeck et al.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":81,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/A9DMUS6L"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/A9DMUS6L"],"itemData":{"id":81,"type":"article-journal","title":"Authenticity screening of stained glass windows using optical spectroscopy","container-title":"Scientific reports","page":"37726","volume":"6","author":[{"family":"Meulebroeck","given":"Wendy"},{"family":"Wouters","given":"Hilde"},{"family":"Nys","given":"Karin"},{"family":"Thienpont","given":"Hugo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2016"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Meulebroeck et al.). However, impurities added to the glass during the manufacturing process can produce minor decolorization and fractures in the glass. Despite immunity to natural deterioration, stained-glass is prone to scratches abrasion and breakage due to chemicals and accidents. The greatest cause of breakage and deterioration of the stained glass is physical stress. Particularly the glass used in doors and sliding structure is prone to the physical impact of deterioration. If the stained-glass is not enameled appropriately, then it can break from its internal stress. The disintegration of glass may also be a result of the chemical action or the application of intense heat from fire sources.
Serious challenges are observed while preserving the painted, stained glass mostly used in churches. If poor quality mixtures are used, then painted glass becomes vulnerable to condensation. Paints are applied to the glass while in a kiln or sprayed on the glass in cold conditions. Contrary to the paints, enamels do not fade over time, but they flake off in particles. There are several steps in the painting process of the glass that can make the paint and colors of the glass prone to weathering ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"jaH668lg","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Konstantinov and Mukhin)","plainCitation":"(Konstantinov and Mukhin)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":83,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/TTBB9V35"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/TTBB9V35"],"itemData":{"id":83,"type":"paper-conference","title":"Architectural possibilities of using PVC window units in historical buildings","container-title":"MATEC Web of Conferences","publisher":"EDP Sciences","page":"04018","volume":"193","ISBN":"2261-236X","author":[{"family":"Konstantinov","given":"Aleksandr"},{"family":"Mukhin","given":"Andrey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2018"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Konstantinov and Mukhin). If the coating of the paint or enamel is too thick, then it cannot fuse to the glass surface properly and will cause bubbles on the surface, a phenomenon known as frying. While preserving the stained-glass the level of repair protection and, cleaning applied depend on the quality and significance of the glass. Repair works of the stained glass must be undertaken with extreme care and by professionals only. Minor cracks and oxidation are characteristics of the stained glass, and such conditions do not require repair or preservation actions.
One of the most significant properties of the stained glass is that their appearance continually changes with the application of diverse lighting conditions. But the buildup of dirt, smoke, grime, and oxidation on both sides of the glass significantly impair this property of the stained glass. The problem is worse in church windows because regular burning of candles and the oxidation effects of the smoke substantially renders originally bright window as muted and lifeless in appearance. Normal cleaning of the glass in such conditions can restore the glory of the stained-glass structures and will also provide an opportunity to inspect the composition and design of the glass closely. There exists caution as well while going for simple cleaning procedures and that is related to the verification of paint health. If the paint on the glass is not fused properly and has poor stability, then cleaning may ruin the glass paint and its overall shine will be damaged.
As it is the case with all elements of historic buildings stained glass materials also require maintenance and repair actions to prevent serious damage. Windows having water leakage problems can present serious challenges for repair and maintenance operations of stained glass. Water leakage near the stained-glass window indicates that the water sealing or waterproofing of the structure is damaged and require the repair work. Water leakage near the glass windows can be repaired by the application of sealants. Stained glass cannot be waterproofed while in place adequately. In extreme cases, the windows may be required to be taken to the bench and waterproofed by chemical methods ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"09XHE0AC","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Newton)","plainCitation":"(Newton)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":84,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/6CFCKLIY"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/Ugrd7iAF/items/6CFCKLIY"],"itemData":{"id":84,"type":"book","title":"The deterioration and conservation of painted glass: a critical bibliography","ISBN":"0-19-726017-9","author":[{"family":"Newton","given":"Roy G."}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["1982"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Newton). Whereas chemical treatment cannot be performed in lace. Rubber based sealants can be used without removing the window from its place, but they have inherent problems as well. Most of the rubber-based sealants may release acetic acid that can damage the paint and enamel of the stained glass in return. Therefore, neutral cure-based sealants are preferred, and their choice depends on the material as well.
A major problem that is extremely harmful as well in American stained-glass industry is the repair work of stained glass in place. The practice o such repairs are common among Churches where the structural nature of the glass prohibits the removal of the window. An out of the plane or bulging stained glass cannot be repaired in place. If over 5% of the glass is broken, then there is no possibility of repairing the glass in place. However, for minor fixes as well the in-place repair options only provide a quick fix. While the major restoration and preservation, projects can preserve the glass for two or more generations. In repair and preservation of the stained glass windows, the original glass pieces removed from the structure must always be preserved. Replacement glass which matches exactly to the original may be extremely difficult to obtain. Due to the delicate process of glass manufacturing samples from a single batch of produced glass may have different properties and color saturation. To overcome such problems thin cover plates are used instead of replacing the original glass. If the glass cannot be removed and replaced, then cover plates come in handy. A cover plate is of thin glass painted with the same pattern as of the original glass and then pasted over the original piece of glass.
Repair works of painted glass often deploy epoxy edge gluing techniques. The technique produces only an invisible line, and it can also be tinted to match the original piece of glass. These are a handful of techniques to preserve stained glass of historic importance. Most of the stained glass has passed the 100th century or quickly approaching it and has never been cleaned or repaired since installation. If proper cleaning and repair projects are undertaken to preserve the stained glass which is of great historical importance can last for another century as well.
Works Cited
ADDIN ZOTERO_BIBL {"uncited":[],"omitted":[],"custom":[]} CSL_BIBLIOGRAPHY Grimmer, Anne E. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: With Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings. Government Printing Office, 2017.
Konstantinov, Aleksandr, and Andrey Mukhin. “Architectural Possibilities of Using PVC Window Units in Historical Buildings.” MATEC Web of Conferences, vol. 193, EDP Sciences, 2018, p. 04018.
Machado, Andreia Sofia Simões Gouveia. Historical Stained Glass Painting Techniques Technology and Preservation. 2018.
Meulebroeck, Wendy, et al. “Authenticity Screening of Stained Glass Windows Using Optical Spectroscopy.” Scientific Reports, vol. 6, 2016, p. 37726.
Newton, Roy G. The Deterioration and Conservation of Painted Glass: A Critical Bibliography. 1982.
Palomar, Teresa, et al. “The Influence of Environment in the Alteration of the Stained-Glass Windows in Portuguese Monuments.” Heritage, vol. 1, no. 2, 2018, pp. 365–76.
Tutton, Michael, et al. Windows: History, Repair and Conservation. Routledge, 2015.
