Restoring stained glass leaded light windows

[Geoff Flegg]

Hello, first post to the forum as I enter the world of owning an old house........

I'm just in the final stages of buying a late Victorian house, which has some original stained glass leaded lights that need attention.

Pictures of these should be on the following link:-

http://www.putfile.com/feltwell

First off, there's a panel in the front door - the glass isn't bad, just a couple of tiny yellow pieces that need replacing, but the leading is completely shot - it rattles like crazy when you move the door! If it slammed in the wind I wouldn't be surprised to see the whole thing fall out!

Secondly, there's a window at the bottom of the stairs, in 3 panels. The 2 top panels both have quite a few pieces of glass that will need matching and replacing - they're either cracked or have a piece missing. The glass in the large bottom panel is in much better condition, but it needs rebuilding as the window is bulging outwards at the bottom.

Has anyone else had this type of work done? Only quote I've managed to get so far was for £1350, which included taking out and refitting the panels, and VAT - how does that compare with any work that you've had done?

Secondly, can anyone recommend any leaded light restorers in the Telford area? There are a few according to Google, but if anyone has seen work done by one and can recommend them it would be appreciated.

Thanks

Geoff

 

[biffvernon]

Try this site: UK Stained Glass News
Click on UK_Studios on the left of the page and it'll take you to a list of people who do stained glass work.

Or you could do it yourself. An absorbing hobby, perhaps a business opportunity, it's not so very difficult and the tools required to get started don't cost an awful lot. You'd be saving a thousand pounds on your first job whilst learning the skills to fix other folks windows in the future.

 

[skier-hughes]

Also try this thread
http://periodpropertyshop.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1342&highlight=leaded+windows

 

[NT]

The skills needd to do this are not too demanding, and its pleasant enough work. Cracked glass can be left, and is better left until you get a genuinely exact match. Cracks in themselves are harmless.

The lead strip can be pressed back down to stiffen it up, breaks in the lead can be soldered. Window bowing is presumably due to lack of the obligatory iron bars: these run across the window at intervals, wire from them is soldered into the leadwork, and this holds it all in place.

You could rebuild them using new lead if you like, but repair is normally easier.

Equipment cost for repairs should fit into £100.


NT

 

[Geoff Flegg]

Thanks all. The main window does have the iron bars, but it looks as if the wire to the lead has long since gone.

Some pieces of glass are broken and have bits missing, so unfortuneatly no option other than replacing those.

I'll have a think about going DIY - not sure I'll ever get a chance to do mine though, let alone other peoples! Full time job, 2 kids under the age of 3 and a big old Victorian semi to do up doesn't make for much free time!

 

[NT]

If circumstances were different I'd offer to do them.


NT