Conservation

Our studio undertakes the conservation of stained glass and leaded glazing from Medieval to contemporary glass. Each project is carried out in-house by our team from the initial report, recording, removal from site, studio conservation and reinstatement. The work undertaken is fully documented and recorded for future reference.

Our experience and expertise and on-going development has resulted in our team being involved in conservation and restoration on behalf of numerous clients including large scale contracts for the National Trust, English Heritage, The Crown Estate, The Churches Conservation Trust, The Church Buildings Council, Church of England and Roman Catholic Diocese, Historic Royal Palaces, National Museums and Private Collections.

The ethos of conservation within the studio is one of minimal intervention of glass, lead and related ironwork, using techniques of inherent reversibility. Ancient glass of the highest quality and historical importance to protected on site by our isothermal glazing systems thus protecting them from further deterioration from the elements, placing them in museum conditions and preserving vulnerable glass for future generations.

Conservation Cleaning

Leaded glass of all periods, particularly on the internal surface will always have a layer of dust and general grime. In more extreme situations or neglect (if inaccessible) the surface may have a layer of microbial growth.

The studio carries out careful conservation cleaning of glass surfaces including the process of a solution of ethanol and deionised water on cotton wool buds and swabs. This process is only carried out following an inspection and treatment, if required, of the fired pigment.

All projects undertaken at our studio are executed to the highest standards as set out by the international Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi (CVMA) and the Church Buildings Council.

In 2000, John Corley was assessed and awarded the Accreditation of Conservator – Restorer (PACR), Member of the United Kingdom Institute for Conservation (ICON). For many years John has been a member of the British Society of Master Glass Painters (BSMGP). The studio is registered with the Conservation Register.