Services

Isothermal Glazing

Leaded glass whether painted or unpainted over time will have deteriorated to some degree. The most common cause being environmental damage both to the external and internal surfaces. To elevate the degradation to the leaded glass panels it is widely agreed the glass must be kept dry; moisture (internal condensation and external weather conditions) being the catalyst for degradation and therefore protection is required. It is necessary to transfer the glass panels into “museum conditions” i.e. create an equal temperature environment (Isothermal).
An example of this system is the removal of a leaded glass panel from its glazing groove in the stonework within an ancient building. The panel is then fitted within a manganese bronze frame and refitted on to the stonework, ventilated to create an airflow and thus creating the dry environment required to prevent moisture. The original glazing position is fitted with suitably sympathetic glazing (clear) pattern leaded or unleaded.

External Protection – Wire guards and polycarbonate.

We have long experience of the preparation, manufacture and installation of stainless steel (powder coated – colour to suit) wire guards to windows where vandalism is prevalent. In extreme circumstances we fit ventilated 6mm UV polycarbonate to protect vulnerable glass from a multitude of external attacks. The alternatives have their own unique fitting systems. On ecclesiastical buildings e.g. “head” Gothic stone lancets and traceries, accurate templates are taken of the glazing sizes and shapes, the protective coverings are manufactured or cut to the profiles. The stone remains uncovered and therefore the guards are unobtrusive covering.

Metalwork

The studio conserves and restores related metalwork i.e. all types of window “opening” sections (casements, sashes, hopper frames) related window furniture “saddle-bars” and ferramenta. (e.g. Hampton Court Palace; Kings School Canterbury).
Ironwork of all periods has caused severe damage to related building materials, particularly soft limestone, through rust expansion. We replace the ferrous parts in contact with the stone with non-ferrous material (bronze or stainless steel).
Bronze casements are restored including mechanisms and window furniture and surface treatments carried out. (e.g. Knole, Sevenoaks Kent).

Plain Glazing Restorations

Float glass, as developed post WWII is not an option when carrying out conservation/restoration of buildings of all periods before that time. We are all familiar with the gentle undulations and distortions, bubbles and other imperfections of glasses from the past.
We investigate and research glasses for suitability for replacements where necessary. A solution could be kiln fired distorted panes or restorations glasses as required. Consultations are carried with clients and Architects to achieve sympathetic solutions for glazing of historic buildings.

Domestic Leaded Light Manufacture and Repair.

Our studio is situated in an area in close proximity to buildings of the late Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. We design manufacture and restore leaded glass of these periods. These styles lend themselves to the use of an abundance of mouth blown and machine rolled contemporary glasses produced in the UK, Europe and the USA. This work gives us the opportunity to make use of our large range of coloured glass stock, which has built up over many years.