A combination of vandalism, time, and wear and tear had
done a number on All Saints Church's works of art several years ago. Specifically, one panel had been smashed
by a rock, and two medallions needed to be repainted.
The original medallions, depicting the heads
of Christ and Mary, were not created in the traditional manner but rather using
a new, experimental technique of the time. That’s where Associated
Crafts & Willet Hauser® stepped up to provide the artistry needed to repair
the windows to their former glory.
Historic restoration covers projects where the windows need an
extensive restoration that includes dismantling the panels, replacement of the
lead, and replacement of damaged glass when necessary. In the
case of the All Saints Church's window, re-leading was required, but the original glass
was able to be preserved.
Once the panel was
removed from the window and a rubbing of the section taken, the panel was
disassembled from the old, brittle lead and properly cleaned. The
section was then reassembled with the original glass using all-new lead and
solder. It was then cemented on the interior and exterior surface, and a proper
support bracing system was applied.
Cracked and broken glass found throughout the
windows required replacement due to
the severity of the breaks. Maintaining the originality
of the window is traditionally the highest priority but in some cases,
replacing the glass is the only choice. Thankfully, Associated Crafts® & Willet
Hauser have an extensive inventory of glass to use. This is especially useful
when matching historic glass, as much of the glass Associated Crafts has dates
back to WWII. Painted glass pieces were carefully duplicated
by the studio’s skilled glass painters.
That wasn't all! During the course of
inspection and work, another section (the millwork, or wooden framework holding windows in place) needed attention. Associated Crafts re-cemented the exterior surface, scraping and re-puttying the millwork, and
installing a glazing to protect the glass on all
windows.
