Frequently Asked Questions

Stained glass is glass which has been painted by brush with enamels or vitreous enamels which are usually a mix containing metallic oxide pigments and ground glass which are fired on to the surface of the glass at very high temperatures in a special kiln. This allows for very fine decorative detail as seen in illustrative church windows and ornate Victorian pieces.

Leaded lights do not contain any painted details and are made of pieces of coloured and/or uncoloured glass. Both stained glass and leaded lights are built in the same way with lead cames (or calms) inserted between the pieces of glass which are then soldered at the joints and cemented to create a rigid and waterproof structure. The most widely used term is "stained glass" which is generally used to refer to any kind of traditionally manufactured leaded light panel.

To make it even more confusing there is also "Tiffany" copperfoil technique which is a process of creating small decorative pieces and objects by cutting small pieces of glass to a pattern and wrapping them in a tape made of copper foil which is then finely soldered so there is no lead work involved.

Prices for new commissions vary depending on the size and intricacy of the design, which materials are used and whether installation is to be included. Usually a visit to the site to obtain measurements and/or the studio to agree a design style is helpful and necessary before an estimate of cost can be made.