Saunders 2
Taylor Saunders
AP English Language and Composition
K. Saunders
14 May 2013
Stained Glass
Religious stories and historical events are often portrayed in intricate designs and patterns on stained glass windows. Today, stained glass is no longer confined to ancient cathedrals and may be found in more commonplace locations like homes and businesses. Rays of light shine through the glass to create a colorful appearance in the room. Stained glass plays an important role in telling a story and capturing the pastoral beauty of nature, as is indicated by its history, the intensive training required to produce it, its detailed creation process, and numerous materials essential to its manufacturing.
The creation of stained glass began with the creation of glass itself. It is said that Venetian sailors accidentally discovered how to create glass, by placing their cooking pots on blocks of natron, a form of soda, from the cargo of their ship as a base then built a fire under it on the beach after being shipwrecked. After a period leaving the fire burning, the extended heat had melted the sand and soda mixture. This creation sat and hardened into glass over a period of time. This isn’t the definite story behind the first creation of glass, but merely a tale passed through generations (Gross).
It is known that stained glass windows were originally created to depict religious scenes or glorify God (Hobbs). Romans are credited with the invention of stained glass. During this time period long ago, the possession of glass as a decorative object signified wealth. Glass would be inlaid on various fixtures, such as walls, ceilings, and lamps throughout the homes of the wealthy (Emert 34). However, this was not the original intent. Stained glass was originally created to go in cathedrals to decorate the room with the light which shone through them. Across the span of the next four centuries, stained glass began showing up in different religious places like churches, chapels, and many others. It was seen as a way to depict biblical stories without words because the pictures gave each and every person the opportunity to decide for themselves what story was being told. The less wealthy people often did not have access to an education, or books. So during this time period many of the common people could not even read a bible if they had access. This is why it was referred to as the “poor man’s bible” since many religious stories were told through the pictures. An education was not needed to interpret the stories. These portraits were not only regarded as religious and educational pieces, but works of art as well (McCormick 45-48).
There are many periods of stained glass styles: Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance (Gross). Romans created the first style of stained glass, hence the name “Romanesque.” Rome also saw the birth of glass blowing and other forms of art with glass as well (Emert 22). Romanesque stained glass windows, placed in small windows with round openings, were often basic forms, and evolved over time. Because these windows were so small, it needed to be more opaque in order to let in the most light. They often depict a simple picture or biblical scene from the bible. However, these pictures were often not complex, but more simplistic. Few of these types of windows remain today (Gross). Stained glass windows are still very popular today in many churches, as well as homes for simple decorations. The windows seen today are an evolution of the Romanesque type (Hobbs).
Gothic stained glass, a transformation of the Romanesque, was the next predominant style. Abbot Suger was given credit for this artistic movement. This is the point at which stained glass windows became larger, more magnificent, and more colorful. Pictures became more complex and symbolic. The images not only portrayed religious stories, but also depicted everyday life of this period. Stained glass became a crucial part of archeological evidence contributing to knowledge of this period of history as a result of the change from primarily religious scenery to the depiction of everyday life of the time. Historians still analyze these windows to discover what story is being told. This time period of stained glass Gothicism coincided with a religious movement of expanded construction of churches and cathedrals with stained glass windows designed to go in them. The stained glass industry was at a high during this point (Gross).
The next transformation of the stained glass style was from Gothic to Renaissance. This evolution was less subtle than the change from Romanesque to Gothic. The depictions became more and more symbolic during this time. Often the picture or scene displayed depended on where the stained glass was going. Biblical stories were put in church windows and historic scenes were placed in town halls. Stained glass also became more predominant in homes during this period (Gross). The stained glass found as decoration sometimes contained heraldic images like shields and family crests or coats of arms. These images would be depicted on a simple transparent background (A History of Stained Glass). Because of technological advancements, the windows created were able to be more complex (Gross). This era is closest to where stained glass is today. Through these transformations, stained glass has become very symbolic. It may represent a biblical scene, historical event, or memorial. This transforms stained glass from more than just a piece of art, into something meaningful to the individual (McDonell 7).
Though stained glass originated in Rome, it made its way to America in about 1637. Its origins were predominantly in churches as it was in other parts of the world. These windows began simply and became more complex and beautiful in time, much like the transition between Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance windows. Stained glass production has not always been a booming industry in America. The production drastically fell during the Great Depression, along with many other industries. However, when production began again, more designs and styles began to emerge (Gross). These windows also transformed from strictly religious decoration to other usages as well. They are now seen everywhere from homes, to businesses and more. It has also transformed from strictly a profession to a hobby as well. Stained glass making is now a common hobby practiced by many people. It is a fun process that produces a beautiful result (Hudson).
The production of stained glass, however, is still a healthy profession. Stained glass makers are seen as artists. Many stained glass artists will go to school with a degree in art or historic preservation. At these schools, artists can take courses specialized in glass art. More experience may be gained by working as an intern or apprentice underneath a more experienced artist (Stained Glass Artist). Working underneath an already established artist will help the new artist because it will be valuable work experience. Observation of other stained glass artist’s pieces will often spark an interest in an aspiring artist. This observation will be an inspiration, not something from which to copy (Gross). The job outlook for artists is average, and there are not many stained glass artists within this category. Work will depend on what is available and what is needed at the time (Stained Glass Artist).
Brian Clarke is a famous stained glass artist who has pieces in art shows, churches, synagogues, corporate headquarters, and famous architectures. Clarke’s inspiration to begin his artistry career came from helping his father in cake decoration. This created an interest in art in general. However, his first inspiration to work specifically with stained glass came from a school field trip to York Minister, a Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Seeing the stained glass throughout the cathedral and all the beauty it created made Clarke recognize his calling for something, and that was art. Clarke says that images in his stained glass may often be symbolic or an allusion to religion, like the original intent of the stained glass throughout history (Louie).
Making stained glass can be a very expensive process. Not to be confused with glass that has a color painted on, actual stained glass is glass that has a color chemically added or mixed within (Hudson). However, there is a way to make a similar piece of art without the many tools needed. This appearance can be accomplished with wax paper or cellophane, by adding color to them with crayons or tissue paper. This may be often done with children as a simple, creative craft (Hobbs). Making a more professional grade stained glass takes more time, effort, and money. For this reason, it is best to incorporate a lot of practice, beginning with very simple projects. Practice is best done on inexpensive glass; that way, messing up will not cost as much (McDonell 9).
The priciest part of making stained glass is the initial investment. Paying the upfront cost for the tools can amount to roughly $200 including no glass, if a kit is purchased (Starter Kits). Within such kits will be all the tools needed to begin. These tools include a grinder, cutters, and pliers, all used to cut, shape, and size the glass into what is needed. Pattern shears are also needed to get the pattern to a precise size. A soldering iron is essential to solder different pieces together to make the project a whole. Varieties of lead tools are needed, such as a lead knife, vise, and came. These tools are used to manipulate the lead into sizes and shapes needed for the specific piece of stained glass. Flux and black cement are used when soldering and placing together the lead pieces that make up the window. These tools will seal all the pieces together strongly and create a waterproof binding. Whiting powder is then needed when cleaning off excess black cement. All of these tools are essential to making even the most basic of stained glass pieces. Optional other tools may be purchased for more intricate designs or for making the process easier. This may include drills to engrave text into the stained glass windows, or a glass bottle cutter to make other stained glass pieces. These pieces may be bottles, lamp shades, or three-dimensional objects (Stained Glass Equipment).
Within professional grade stained glass, there are many different types. Artists may have a preference for one glass over the other, depending on experience. One form is antique glass which is very textured and patterned. Antique glass has many sub-categories such as German full antique, full antique, reamy, crackle, flashed, opal, streaky, and semi-antique. These differ based on the amount of texture, color, thickness, and bubbles throughout. Antique is often considered the most difficult type of stained glass to master because it is so intricate. There is also cathedral glass. This type of stained glass may have a few different textures, but has a uniform thickness throughout. For this reason, it is the best glass for beginners to work with. Opalescent glass is also often seen in other projects. There are two types of opalescent glass: machine-rolled and hand-rolled. Machine-rolled creates a uniform thickness whereas hand-rolled is more textured and smaller since it is done by hand (McDonell 8).
Piecing together the stained glass can be accomplished in different ways. Choosing between the two may be a matter of personal preference, or dependent on aspects of the project. The use of lead came is one option, and the later developed copper-foil method is the alternate. Lead came, or a long strip of lead, is placed between the pieces and soldered together. The copper foil method is more intricate and time consuming, as the edge of each individual piece of glass must be wrapped in the copper foil tape. This creates a finer line between the pieces of glass, for a more sleek appearance throughout. However, the copper-foil method can be used in a three-dimensional object, whereas the lead came cannot. The copper-foil method will also be used for the more complex, elaborate designs. Although some artists still have the personal preference of the lead came method because it is simpler, quicker, and cheaper (Lead Came vs Copper Foil).
Artists use different types of glass depending on the type of project being created (McDonell 8). The most basic principle of making glass is melting sand. However, since sand has such a high melting point, other ingredients must be added in order to bring that temperature point down to one more easily reached (McDonell 7). In order to make glass silica, alkali, and a limestone are all needed. Silica can be quarts, sand or flint. Alkali can be soda or potash. The limestone is used to allow the glass to harden. However, there is not one specific “recipe” for making glass; it differs from one artist to the next based on preference. Small alterations to the ingredients will make a small difference in appearance to the glass. Depending on the personal preference of the artist and level of expertise, glass may be made or bought. For someone just starting out or simply doing stained glass as a hobby, it is more common to buy the glass, as it is cheaper, easier, and more efficient, although this limits the impact the artist has on the texture of the stained glass (Emert 9).
When making stained glass, different things are added to the glass itself to achieve a different look. To make a green appearance, iron is added. To make blue, cobalt is added (McDonell 7). Originally, the only way to make red in a stained glass window was by adding gold to it. Now less expensive materials, like selenium, have been discovered (Hudson). The colors that fill the room through the stained glass window depend on the way the light hits and comes through it. Because of this, during different times the stained glass window can create a different effect on the room overall (McDonell 7).