Craft Glass are specialists in Secondary Glazing and Traditional Leaded Lights. We work to repair, replace or restore traditional leaded, sash, crittal and steel windows from our workshop in Buckinghamshire and this site shares some of the processes involved in this skilled work. To view our full range of glazing services available please visit. Before the 16th Century windows or apertures had unglazed openings, typically sliding or folding shutters were used instead - made out of wood, horn, oiled cloth or similar.
The earliest glazed windows first appeared in prominent buildings or in wealthy families. They used very small pieces of glass (quarrels or quarries) held together with soft lead strips (cames). In order to make a large window therefore the space was subdivided by stone or timber mullions so the small leaded panels - or "lights" - could be installed either fixed or opening.
Hence the name leadlights was created, often abbreviated to "lights". Stained glass is often nowadays grouped with leaded lights in terms of speciality, primarily due to similar methods of construction however stained glass requires a more artistic skill set and process.
The earliest glazed windows first appeared in prominent buildings or in wealthy families. They used very small pieces of glass (quarrels or quarries) held together with soft lead strips (cames). In order to make a large window therefore the space was subdivided by stone or timber mullions so the small leaded panels - or "lights" - could be installed either fixed or opening.
Hence the name leadlights was created, often abbreviated to "lights". Stained glass is often nowadays grouped with leaded lights in terms of speciality, primarily due to similar methods of construction however stained glass requires a more artistic skill set and process.
Services
Craft Glass is a glazing firm that specialises in repairing and restoring windows, doors and the frames that surround them in large or listed (heritage) property.
Restoration is both complex and time consuming which is why many glazing are unwilling to service this need.
The complexity comes from the range of skills and materials required to fully complete a job, and when involving traditional techniques it is not work that can typically be rushed - especially where a high quality of finished work is needed (true conservation).
Restoration is both complex and time consuming which is why many glazing are unwilling to service this need.
The complexity comes from the range of skills and materials required to fully complete a job, and when involving traditional techniques it is not work that can typically be rushed - especially where a high quality of finished work is needed (true conservation).
Old glass is a major contributor to the visual appeal of an older property and windows.
With its rippled and irregular surface imperfections (such as seeds or bubbles) it gives the glass a vitality when light is reflected and contributes so much more to the character of a building.
We've put much of the common terminology for traditional windows and glazing here.
Antique Glass - Generally refers to the process of flat glass production using the traditional mouth-blown method.
The sheets produced are of modest size but are large enough for most restoration works.
With its rippled and irregular surface imperfections (such as seeds or bubbles) it gives the glass a vitality when light is reflected and contributes so much more to the character of a building.
We've put much of the common terminology for traditional windows and glazing here.
Antique Glass - Generally refers to the process of flat glass production using the traditional mouth-blown method.
The sheets produced are of modest size but are large enough for most restoration works.
In order to understand how things are made today it is a good idea to be familiar with the terminology that was used historically as much of it is still used today in our Glossary of windows.
In this area of the website we are going to explore the different methods for making traditional windows today and some of the restoration process.
Any work that involves period property restoration generally requires patience, dedication and a passion for preserving the heritage of often extremely old and significant architectural features.
In this area of the website we are going to explore the different methods for making traditional windows today and some of the restoration process.
Any work that involves period property restoration generally requires patience, dedication and a passion for preserving the heritage of often extremely old and significant architectural features.
Being a traditional craft there are variations on some of the techniques and tools used to make a traditional leaded light, however the process described here is one that has been used for many years - and applies to making a new leaded light panel.
Generally leaded light panels are made up of many square or diamond pieces of glass (quarries) separated by lead came, and often vary in size within the panel.
So careful planning is required when cutting new glass, so that the lead cames align in adjacent panels (or to saddle bars if needed) and the overall dimensions are met.
Generally leaded light panels are made up of many square or diamond pieces of glass (quarries) separated by lead came, and often vary in size within the panel.
So careful planning is required when cutting new glass, so that the lead cames align in adjacent panels (or to saddle bars if needed) and the overall dimensions are met.
A. This is one of the most commonly asked questions, but also one of the most difficult to answer without a detailed picture of the window in question or a site inspection.
For example, if a leaded light panel is bowed either fixed or inside an opening casement, the only permanent resolution to this would be a removal and complete re-lead in the workshop.
If there are only 1 or 2 broken panes and they are on the outside edge of the panel they can usually be repaired on site.
Whilst a little unsightly (the lead will ripple as glazing is removed and installed) it can be achieved and sealed again with cement or putty.
For example, if a leaded light panel is bowed either fixed or inside an opening casement, the only permanent resolution to this would be a removal and complete re-lead in the workshop.
If there are only 1 or 2 broken panes and they are on the outside edge of the panel they can usually be repaired on site.
Whilst a little unsightly (the lead will ripple as glazing is removed and installed) it can be achieved and sealed again with cement or putty.
Reviews
Be the first to review Tec Glass.
Write a Review
