new house, new user, know anyone?

[Anonymous]

Afternoon everyone,

I've just taken on an 1850's property that needs a little tlc and am struggling to find somone to replace leaded windows.

The windows aren't anything too fancy, but I'm told they are original and would therefore like to find a suitable contractor to repair.

There's lots of stained glass manufacturers in the Manchester area, but I don't know if that like asking to IKEA to repair a Chippendale.

Also one of the windows has some simple metal bars attached to the frame - I presume this is for security reasons and would ideally like to replicate on the windows that need replacing. Sounds naff I know, but looks pretty period too!

Any help is really appreciated.

Ady

 

[Anonymous]

There are a number of glass conservators. I presume your windows are plain not coloured glass?

You could try the Seeking Specialist part of this site, but I'd recommend that you call SPAB and ask for recommendations of suitably skilled craftspeople.

Better to repair and retain than replace!


http://www.spab.org.uk

 

[Anonymous]

Metal bars across the steel casement of a leaded window are normally there for wiring the leaded glass membrane to, in order to support it. The membrane maker solders appropriate wires into the leading.

 

[Anonymous]

That is one of the most delightful bits of expert minutiae that I've encountered on this site. How on earth do you accumulate (and more to the point - retain) all this information, David?

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much David - am amazed someone would know that!

Any idea where I start looking to find a repairer? Don't suppose there's a category for leaded glass membrane makers on yell.com

Ady

 

[Anonymous]

Ady
I had some membranes made by a specialist in Oxfordshire, about 15 years ago. At the moment I can't remember his name, but I'll check back on my parchment scrolls and see if I've still got the details.

 

[Anonymous]

Summa the rubbish stay with yer; some doon't!

 

[Anonymous]

As I said above - SPAB has lists of suitably qualified people, and will be able to give a number of names.

The SPAB mag Cornerstone did a major feature on glass a couple of years ago, with articles by those who repair and conserve windows for a living.

Quarries and cames are words you may need to know also.

 

[Anonymous]

Here's the guy who did work for me - I was very happy with it.

Mike Honour
Unit 85
Northwick Business Centre
Blockley
Moreton in Marsh
Glos. GL56 9RF
01386 701079

I should add that his invoice is dated 1992 - so it's been a while! He may be retired, deceased, or living on his riches in Torremolinos!

 

[Anonymous]

How much call is there for leaded window repair? I wonder.

NT

 

[Anonymous]

A large amount I believe - as most churches have leaded windows.

 

[Anonymous]

I certainly got a need.

Cheers David.

 

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine does stained and leaded glass work (he does a fair bit down in York at some big Church place)
He lives in Newcastle but is originally from Manchester - if you want his details I can let you have them.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes please Hazel, that would be very kind.

Regards

Ady

 

[Anonymous]

I'm just wondering what is wrong with all the glass experts SPAB has on its lists?

Out of curiosity? <IMG SRC="http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/discussing/smileys/smile.gif" BORDER=0 ALT="">

The big church in York - man who burnt it down (almost) lived near where we do. 'Mad' Martin. Some of his tracts in the Lit and Phil. Used to walk around Newcastle with a giant turtle shell on his haed being a 'philospher'.

He was actually born about a hundred yards from where I am sitting. The family moved to Haydon Bridge, including John the visionary painter.

 

[Anonymous]

Nothing at all Evelyn, I'm just awaiting a reply from them. I email as soon as you mentioned it and the following response:

Thank you for your email.
Your message has been passed on to our technical department.

Just awaiting a response from them.

Fingers crossed.

Ady

 

[Anonymous]

Is your glass coloured or plain? Either way, it's important to retain as much as possible of the original.

In the meanwhile, although of course a little earlier than your windows, here's an interesting site:


http://cvma.ac.uk

 

[Anonymous]

It's plain and simple, but stunning.

The lead seems to have become brittle in places and some of the small panes aren't too secure. They do allow for constant air conditioning though.

One of the windows needs bars to be remade and inserted in the steel frame. Would a glass conservator be able/willing to entertain this part of the project too?

Ta

Ady

 

[Anonymous]

I should expect a proper conservator could do anything.

It may be a spot expensive but worth it!

If anyone suggests it may be easier to make new than conserve what you have run a mile.

Have you tried your local authority Conservation Officer? Some local authorities have lists of people who work on historic buildings.

Here's Birmingham's list.

Norgrave Studios - Ben Sinclair wrote a very informative article for SPAB on the history of plain glass.



http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/ELibrary?E_LIBRARY_ID=340&a=1122480725284

 

[Anonymous]

Had a look at the Norgrave website - very intricate work. Mine's not quite to the same scale.

Thanks for the local authority tip, I'll drop them an email.

Cheers again.

Ady