5.1 Techniques and production of Gothic stained glass
3 min read•august 5, 2024
Gothic stained glass was a masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. Artisans used colored glass, intricate painting techniques, and to create stunning windows. The process involved careful planning, skillful , and meticulous assembly.
These windows weren't just pretty – they were storytelling powerhouses. Vibrant colors and detailed designs brought biblical scenes to life for churchgoers. The techniques used to create these windows shaped the look of Gothic architecture for centuries.
Glass Types and Coloring Techniques
Colored Glass Production Methods
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created by adding metallic oxides to molten glass during production, resulting in glass that is colored throughout (cobalt blue, copper green)
made by dipping a gather of colorless glass into a crucible of colored glass, creating a thin layer of color on the surface
Flashed glass allows for more subtle color variations and the ability to create multiple colors on a single piece of glass (ruby red)
involves painting black or brown vitreous paint onto the surface of colorless or lightly tinted glass
Grisaille adds fine details, shading, and patterns to the glass (foliage, drapery)
Grisaille paint contains ground glass and metal oxides that fuse with the glass surface when fired
Decorative Techniques
uses hydrofluoric acid to create translucent patterns or designs on the glass surface
Acid etching allows for intricate, lace-like patterns and lettering
Areas not meant to be etched are protected with an acid-resistant material (wax, resin)
Design and Assembly
Planning and Preparation
refers to the full-scale drawing or template used as a guide for the stained glass window
Cartoons are typically drawn on sturdy paper or cardboard and indicate the placement of each glass piece and lead came
Cartoons may include color notations and other important details for the glaziers
Lead are H-shaped strips of lead used to hold the glass pieces together and define the design
Lead cames come in various widths and profiles to accommodate different glass thicknesses and create visual interest (flat cames, round cames)
Lead cames are flexible enough to be shaped around curves and intricate designs
Structural Support
refers to the metal framework, usually made of iron or steel, that supports the weight of the stained glass window and holds it in place
Armatures are designed to withstand wind loads and other environmental stresses
Horizontal and vertical bars within the armature, called saddle bars and T-bars, respectively, provide additional support and stability
Glass cutting involves using a glass cutter and grozing pliers to shape each piece of glass according to the cartoon design
Glass cutters score the surface of the glass, allowing it to be broken along the desired lines
Grozing pliers are used to nibble away small amounts of glass for precise shaping and fitting within the lead cames
Production Process
Firing and Assembly
involves placing the painted and stained glass pieces in a kiln to fuse the vitreous paint or silver stain onto the glass surface
Firing temperatures typically range between 593-816°C (1100-1500°F), depending on the type of glass and paint used
Multiple firings may be necessary for complex designs or layered paint applications
Once fired, the glass pieces are assembled according to the cartoon design, with lead cames fitted around each piece to create the final composition
The joints between the lead cames are soldered together for stability and weatherproofing
A waterproof cement or putty is applied between the glass and lead cames to further seal the window and provide additional support
The completed stained glass panel is then installed into the armature and mounted in the window opening, ready to illuminate the interior space with vibrant, colored light