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Stained Glass Windows Then and Now
by Devina Venter
http://www.fmwindow.com
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.
The first written record of the stained glass technique was
found during 1100 AD. These window patterns were mostly
elaborate designs, as found in grand European Gothic-style
cathedrals. Pictures, which supposedly were meant for man's
benefit only, were not created since this era felt designs
should honor the glory of God.
The 1400 AD to 1700 AD period began with the 15th Century
High Gothic period where stained glass windows art evolved
into pictures. During this early period, some artisans
preferred to paint the glass rather than use parts of glass
panels to create a scene. By 300 years later, painting on
clear glass became the norm rather than the exception. Many
noble homes and public buildings showed off finely painted
glass pictures. Unfortunately, by the 1700s, churches
started to remove their stained glass window art and this
art fell out of style.
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.
While the technique has changed little since its inception
many periods ago, many hundreds of devoted artisans continue
to make a living off this magical glass. In this modern
age, most services and projects requiring stained glass
artists involve restoring these treasured pieces in churches
and public buildings.
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