| RESTORATION |
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We
specialise in repairs and restoration of windows in domestic and
commercial properties. We work both locally and further afield and
have undertaken work as far as London and Hampshire.
This
work varies with each project, it might
simply be a few broken panes that need replacing, a bowed window
that needs flattening, or a complete re-build. In certain
circumstances glass can be replaced in situ.
Restoration
can be a relatively inexpensive job (compared with the value of the
window), or as expensive as a new window - if the project needs taking
apart and putting together from piles of glass! We always strive to find
glass that matches any broken pieces, though this is not always
possible - some glasses are just not made anymore and spare pieces matching
the original glasses are not to be found.
Whatever
restoration work we undertake, you can be assured that your window
will be looking as good as when it was new and will last for many years to come after we
have lovingly restored it.
CLICK
ON AN IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT
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was the remains of a rather unsightly modern replacement for the original
leaded light that used to grace this front door that we were invited
to do something with.
Then below, the
replacement panel we made to match not only the side window, but the
other front door panels in the houses with the same design in that
street. The client had this door panel customised by the
addition of green and yellow panels down the side. |
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We
received these sad looking remains of two Arts & Crafts windows.
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And
recreated them to go back with the original panels above. Sadly most
of the original glass (95+%) was beyond reuse as it was broken.
Therefore we sourced glass as close to the colour and texture as
possible. Can you see the difference? The only original
pieces we used in the end were the two purple 'jewels'. |
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This
is typical of the damage that time and poor installation can give to
stained glass windows in front doors. When this window was
installed it should have had a strengthening bar across it, but
sadly if it had, it was removed.
Now
the window is bowed outwards by approximately 2 inches, the lead has
split and glass has fallen out. To repair this window it has
to be removed, and the central picture dismantled, the (thankfully)
few broken pieces of glass replaced, the whole picture re-leaded and
reinstalled into the door.
A
fairly long-winded job.
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Once
the window is removed from the frame we start dissembling. You
can probably see the bow in the window.
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We
use a small modelling saw to cut through the lead cames and
carefully take out the central piece for restoration. |
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The
central picture is now totally free from the lead cames and
has been laid out in pattern. At
this point you can also see a previous repair job. The small
piece of steel towards the bottom right of the picture is imbedded in
the lead came. At some time the external part of the window
has been re-leaded and the steel added instead of the external
strengthening bar (which allowed the window to bow). |
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We
then start building the picture up, replacing any broken pieces of
glass if required, or adding extra lead between the breaks if
preferred. Some clients prefer replacement glass, others to
keep the original and add extra lead.
In this window
the triangular piece on the left of the house's roof was in fact
broken when the window was made and a piece of lead put across
it. As the glass is no longer made we left it in place. |
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not forgetting the finishing touches, the door and window of the
house are added using small pieces of lead. The original window
had stayed the distance but the door had fallen off some time
ago.
Now the
entire window is cemented to waterproof it and it is then ready to
be reinstalled. |
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TESTIMONIALS
WOW! The
door looks fantastic, I am so pleased with the work you have done on
the glass. Thank-you.
Lisa Wyatt,
Basingstoke |
