Leaded Stained Glass Windows

Add Beauty & Ensure Privacy with Leaded Stained Glass Windows

 
When Scottish Stained Glass uses the term “leaded glass” we are referring to our collection of various clear, textured glasses. Leaded glass and stained glass are basically the same, but leaded glass describes designs which have no color. Leaded stained glass or simply leaded glass is glass that has been mixed with lead-rich materials while molten; lead replaces the calcium content of a typical glass.

Lead glass has a long history. The earliest known example with lead oxide additives is a blue glass fragment from Nippur dated to 1400 BC. Leaded stained glass was first used in medieval Europe as a base for colored glass. This glass was used in mosaic tiles, enamels, stained glass painting, and to imitate precious stones. Lead oxide was used to create enamel for vessels and windows because of its lower working temperature.

By the 17th century George Ravenscroft produced the first clear lead glass on a large sale. Though it took a while to perfect the art of leaded glass, he finally managed to overcome many obstacles including the prevention of crizzling (a network of small cracks that would ruin the transparency of the glass). Taking advantage of his merchant class status, Ravenscroft was able to revolutionize the glass trade and shifted England from Venice into the leader as a leaded glass innovator. Eventually, Scotland, especially Glasgow, became the world center for creating leaded glass windows and glassware.

As the art of making leaded stained glass was passed through the ages, Scottish Stained Glass founder and owner Martin Faith was taught the age old method of crafting the world’s most beautiful glass. Today we all benefit as Martin has shared his knowledge with all of Scottish Stained Glass’s talented craftsman helping them produce the worlds most beautiful stained and leaded glass.

By the 17th century George Ravenscroft produced the first clear lead glass on a large sale. Taking advantage of his merchant class status, Ravenscroft was able to revolutionize the glass trade and shifted England into the leader as a leaded glass innovator. Scotland, especially Glasgow, became the world center for creating leaded glass windows and glassware.

Lead glass in your home’s windows will not cause lead poisoning. However, it is still not safe to lick, chew, or eat your leaded glass windows. As long as you adhere to those rules, you will not risk lead poisoning.  

To this day, lead glass continues to be used for both industrial and decorative applications. As the art of making leaded stained glass was passed through the ages, Scottish Stained Glass founder and owner Martin Faith was taught the age old method of crafting the world’s most beautiful glass. Today we all benefit as Martin has shared his knowledge with all of Scottish Stained Glass’s talented craftsman in order to help them produce the worlds most beautiful stained and leaded glass.