The Process

Making and restoring stained glass or leaded light panels involves a lot of different processes. The methods and tools I use are largely unchanged and very traditional, a medieval glazier would recognise the majority of the skills, techniques and materials.

To make a new panel I first take measurements of the tight and site size of the opening where the panel is to be installed. Then I create a design called a cartoon using specialist software. I print the cartoon and use it to cut the glass pieces. Then I begin to assemble the pieces with lead came on a making board, holding in place with horseshoe nails. Once the panel has been assembled I apply tallow to the joints to allow the solder to flow and then I solder each joint. Once soldering is complete I use a brush to apply a lead cement under the cames. Whiting powder is then applied to add the curing of the cement. Later I remove the whiting and use a stick to pick out the excess cement. Finally polish is applied to the lead.

Restoring a panel is slightly different and involves taking a panel apart, cleaning and replacing any broken or poorly fitting pieces of glass before the panel can be rebuilt.

Occasionally small repairs can be made in situ, but this depends on where the damage is on the panel and the overall condition.