ARCHITECTURAL

STAINED GLASS RESTORATION AND REPAIR:

 

BEFORE

 

AFTER

 

BEFORE

An M.G. went through the front door!

 

AFTER

 

Before

        One day a customer came into the studio with two very badly damaged pieces that she had gotten in trade for a small debt. She thought they might be too costly to repair and was considering  throwing away the both pieces and taking the loss. I looked at them and said "let me check these out a little more and do a rough estimate for you." There was just SOMETHING about them that fascinated me. Even though badly damaged, the workmanship and painting was exceptional. I began by dusting them off and cleaning the grit and then took photos of every inch of the damage.

            Lo and Behold when I blew up the photos I found a signature piece!  I thought I had a William Morris!

        I sent the photos and a lengthy letter to Peter Gibson, one of the world's leading authorities on stained glass, formerly (ret) Secretary/ Superintendent of the York England Glazier's Trust.  In June/July of 1989 he received the distinction of Honorary Life Membership of the Stained Glass Association of America, of which I am a member.

I wrote to right man! He informed me that the glass I enquired about was the work of "the second William Morris"! William T. Morris 1874-1944 (I never knew that were two!) He told me that he was still very important Historically. Not as important as a "true" Wm. Morris, 1834-1896, but the two pieces, if properly restored, were  worth thousands of dollars. A nice surprise for my customer!  She was delighted and oked the restoration immediately. She planed to showcase them in her office with the rest of her art collection. Mr. Gibson most graciously gave me a few tips on his restoration techniques, to augment my knowledge, and followed my progress with glee. He was delighted that I chose to conserve/restore rather than repair. 

 

After

I had a wonderful time restoring these "old beauties" and feel it was one of the best experiences of my long career!  I hope you enjoy them too.

 

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Vloeberghs Stained Glass Studio, Inc.
2711 Piedmont Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Phone # 404-261-3073

Copyright 1998-2003 by Pat Vloeberghs. 
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED