A Short History of Stained Glass
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Coloured glass has been made since the ancient times, both the Egyptians and the Romans produced small coloured glass items, such as cups and vases. However, It is hard to pinpoint the origins of the first stained glass windows, it is suggested that the technique arose from jewellery making and mosaics.
We do know that stained glass windows as we know them today seemed to emerge through the substantial building of Churches. Evidence of stained glass windows have been documented in British monasteries as early as the 7th century, with the earliest known reference being 675 AD when Benedict Biscop commissioned French workmen to create the stained glass for the windows of the monastery of St Peter. In the 10th century, biblical scenes were seen in stained glass windows in churches in Germany and France as well as decorative stained glass in England. 
The Rose Window, York Minster, England
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York Minster, York, England
During the middle ages is when stained glass really peaked in popularity, this was due to it's illustrative portrayal of the bible to a population, which was mostly illiterate. This period known as the Romanesque and early Gothic period saw the building of great cathedrals and churches, which were taller and lighter than ever before. The great window arches required large expanses of stained glass to fill them. In this era the stained glass artists used many pieces of coloured glass joined together by lead to create intricate deigns and patterns, which had enormous complexity. The stained glass windows were complex and illustrated the stories of the bible and the lives of saints. However, the artists were not interested in how realistic the designs were, they emphasised more on illustration and ideas. This was reflected in their finished windows, which consisted of vividly coloured glass and sometime unsophisticated paintwork, nonetheless the windows created a beautiful atmosphere of light and colour in the churches and cathedrals in which they resided. |
However, in the 15th Century the way that stained glass was made and viewed changed. The style evolved from the Gothic style to Classical. This new style portrayed stained glass more like a translucent picture, paler colours were used and the windows incorporated larger figures. The new style of stained glass lasted for about 300 years, It was viewed as a more sophisticated style and the glass painting reflected this. Lead lines were viewed as more of an obstruction of the picture rather than a decorative item. The finished result looked more like a a panel painting, and eventually most stained glass was made from white panels that were heavily painted to create the finished window. The stained glass of this era seemed to loose all of their previous glory and the atmosphere and symbolism that stained glass used to create was lost.
It was during this period, however, that stained glass became prominent in public buildings and houses. Painted details on simple transparent backgrounds were often seen. During the 18th century the removal of medieval stained glass was commonplace, the windows were destroyed and replaced with painted glass.
However, In the mid 1800's, due to the revival of the Catholic church in England, a resurgence in Gothic architecture was seen. Many new churches and cathedrals were built and many old churches were restored. This resulted in the rediscovery of medieval stained glass techniques and the demand for stained glass in the old Gothic style that we most commonly associate stained glass with today.
English immigrants such as, William Jay Bolton and Joseph & Richard Lamb, were some of the first people to establish stained glass studios in America. The artists generally produced Gothic style ecclesiastical stained glass, which were the norm until the distinctive American stained glass style was developed. This style was developed by John La Farge and Louis Comfort Tiffany, who were painters that developed glass that produced a wide range of effects, without the need for glass painting. This glass was known as opalescent glass, the two soon became competitors and both received patents for the glass they invented. Tiffany is also thought to have invented the copper foil method rather than the use of lead, which he used to create lamps, windows and other decorative items. The Tiffany style had many imitators and was a very popular style through the turn of the 20th century,
The tastes in stained glass changed after WWI, as there was a revival in architectural accuracy, which in turn demanded Gothic style stained glass windows in NeoGothic Churches. The popularity of Opalescent glass continued to decline after the death of La Farge in 1910 and the death of Tiffany in 1933. New artists then arose who made stained glass for American Churches. The popularity of stained glass, with exception to church stained glass stayed in decline until after WWII. It was at this time that the abstract and expressionist art movement influenced artists to explore expression in the medium of glass.
Since then stained glass has grown in popularity and has given rise to new and imaginative styles. This new golden age in glass was influenced by new technologies and the growing interest of learning stained glass as a hobby. We now commonly see stained glass in doorways and windows around our homes as well as in Tiffany style lamps. Decorative glass panels are commonly purchased to hang in our home and hot formed glass pieces are used as decorative additions. Newer artists are combining existing styles and developing and creating unique glass pieces every day.
It was during this period, however, that stained glass became prominent in public buildings and houses. Painted details on simple transparent backgrounds were often seen. During the 18th century the removal of medieval stained glass was commonplace, the windows were destroyed and replaced with painted glass.
However, In the mid 1800's, due to the revival of the Catholic church in England, a resurgence in Gothic architecture was seen. Many new churches and cathedrals were built and many old churches were restored. This resulted in the rediscovery of medieval stained glass techniques and the demand for stained glass in the old Gothic style that we most commonly associate stained glass with today.
English immigrants such as, William Jay Bolton and Joseph & Richard Lamb, were some of the first people to establish stained glass studios in America. The artists generally produced Gothic style ecclesiastical stained glass, which were the norm until the distinctive American stained glass style was developed. This style was developed by John La Farge and Louis Comfort Tiffany, who were painters that developed glass that produced a wide range of effects, without the need for glass painting. This glass was known as opalescent glass, the two soon became competitors and both received patents for the glass they invented. Tiffany is also thought to have invented the copper foil method rather than the use of lead, which he used to create lamps, windows and other decorative items. The Tiffany style had many imitators and was a very popular style through the turn of the 20th century,
The tastes in stained glass changed after WWI, as there was a revival in architectural accuracy, which in turn demanded Gothic style stained glass windows in NeoGothic Churches. The popularity of Opalescent glass continued to decline after the death of La Farge in 1910 and the death of Tiffany in 1933. New artists then arose who made stained glass for American Churches. The popularity of stained glass, with exception to church stained glass stayed in decline until after WWII. It was at this time that the abstract and expressionist art movement influenced artists to explore expression in the medium of glass.
Since then stained glass has grown in popularity and has given rise to new and imaginative styles. This new golden age in glass was influenced by new technologies and the growing interest of learning stained glass as a hobby. We now commonly see stained glass in doorways and windows around our homes as well as in Tiffany style lamps. Decorative glass panels are commonly purchased to hang in our home and hot formed glass pieces are used as decorative additions. Newer artists are combining existing styles and developing and creating unique glass pieces every day.
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Information based on the following articles
To contact The Stained Leaded Glass Company, please click here.
To view the services we provide, click here.
Information based on the following articles