Articles

Stained Glass Window

Did you know that as far back as prehistoric times, people have played with glass to fashion it with color? These ancestors mixed in metallic salts and oxides to change the glass from clear to colorful. Granted, they didn't possess the scientific understanding of this technique. Still, the process remains close to its root, with only a few minor tweaks and twists. The scientific explanation of the magic of stained glass begins in how ordinary light passes through the tainted glass. As light goes through, the minerals in the glass allow only certain portions of the color spectrum to filter through. Any color that comes through appears as a solid shade to the ordinary eye. Different colors are exhibited thanks to different minerals. For instance, metallic gold gives off a cranberry color. Also, cobalt gives off blue. Silver, on the other hand, gives off a gold or yellow tone. And, copper will give off a brick red or green shade.

Different periods or eras in time brought us different uses of this art form. During the 1100 AD to 1300 AD period, stain glass written records were first found. These documentation showed us the techniques of that time involved elaborate designs for stained glass windows inside mostly cathedrals and some old churches. Pictures during this great Gothic cathedral time in Europe were not used; instead, designs that depicted the honor and glory of God overruled any pictures of Man.

By the 15th century, or High Gothic period, the viewpoint of stained glass windows had evolved to become more of a picture than a design. Makers of stained glass windows chose to use paint on glass rather than glass panels to create parts of the scene. For a period of about 300 years, the art of stained glass windows was replaced by painting on clear glass. This style of window became so popular that painted windows were added to noble residences and public buildings. By the 18th century, stained glass windows were no longer in fashion at all and some were even being removed from churches.

By the mid-1800s, the rage returned and many of England's architecture and stained glass windows became an integral part of the Gothic Revival movement. Immigrants from Europe to America contributed their skill to decorate American churches and cathedrals. By the 1920's and 1930s, the average middle-class home placed a small stained glass window in the front door or in a small paneled window by the front door. Since the 1930s, few new stained glass windows were seen outside American churches.

How is stained glass often seen today? An upswing of interest in this window material has been noticed over the past 30 years. It is no longer referred to as stained glass; instead, most industries call it "art glass". Art glass is popularly found as a free-hanging decorative piece in anyone's window. Andersen Corporation - a United State's quality window and doors manufacturer - has picked up on this craze by marketing Frank Lloyd Wright art glass window and patio door designs.

This magical and illusionary glass has not changed in technique much over history. However, many hundreds of artisans make a living applying this technique to restoring cherished pieces in church and public building windows, as well as creating some uniquely wonderful pictures and designs for homes.

Devina Venter is the webmaster of FM Window Inc one of the largest information resources for window related information on the Internet. For further details consult her article archive at: http://www.fmwindow.com/