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The San Fernando Cathedral was founded in the year 1731 and is home to the oldest religious community in Texas. Those who visit the church are able to observe the quintessential features of Gothic architecture, marvelous stained glass windows, and a piece of history important to the identity of San Antonio.
Although most of our clients come to us for new stained glass windows, many of them also ask about our restoration services. It’s not uncommon for Austin churches to require stained glass restoration due to the heat and humidity that can be experienced in Texas. At Scottish Stained Glass, we have a very specific process for stained glass restoration. To help you gain a better idea of our methods and services, we’ve provided the following information to prepare you for your restoration project.
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Salt Lake City contains one of the largest religious populations in the country. For this reason, it also boasts some of the most of the most beautiful and diverse religious architecture in the world. Located within these buildings are stunning sculptures, historic artifacts, marvelous paintings, and more. But perhaps one of the most magnificent aspects of Salt Lake City churches are the stained glass windows.
Some historians believe that the tradition of making stained glass goes back as far early Egyptian times. Colored beads of glass were used to create necklaces, bracelets, and other forms of jewelry.This form of art then evolved into the stained glass windows that we now see in churches throughout the world.
The Augsburg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Bavaria, Germany. Hidden within its walls are a mysterious treasure that is an important part of the history of mankind. The cathedral contains what are believed to be the world’s oldest antique stained glass windows.
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hile the popularity of stained glass spans centuries, in the last 100 years there has been a resurgence of interest and application of stained glass on homes and churches worldwide. Additionally, even the best stained glass windows, especially in ancient cathedrals, need to be replaced. These two factors open the door for new emerging artists to come into their own and prove themselves masters of their craft. One such church is Grossmünster in Zurich, Switzerland and one such artist is Sigmar Polke.
Sigmar Polke is an acclaimed German painter and photographer. Throughout his career, he is known to have experimented with a variety of materials, styles and subject matter. In the case of Grossmünster church, he used a particularly unique style which appears to be almost a mix of Abstract and Art Nouveau. Material wise, he made the very smart decision to use cross-sections of semi-precious stones, giving the windows a sparkling gem-like quality when hit by the light. All together Sigmar Polke created 13 stained glass windows for the cathedral in Grossmünster church with styles ranging from purely abstract to figurative. As you can see, and as it is widely agreed, the results are stunning.
At Scottish Stained glass, stained glass is our passion. We love what we do and it shows in the quality of work. Over the past 20 years, we have created thousands of masterpieces for homes, churches, cathedrals, mosques and more. We are able to create and fit nearly any window perfectly with stained, leaded, frosted or beveled glass. We also have numerous locations countrywide and will be happy to give you a free quote. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts.
Deep in the Edinburgh National Museum, nestled artfully at the end of a long hallway full of some of Scotland’s most prized relics, hangs a towering window which, at first glance may not even catch your attention. But if the viewer stops for a good look and finds the stunning beauty of this prize window soon becomes apparent. A museum is the perfect resting place for such an intricately crafted stained glass window such as this, by one of Scotland’s leading stained glass artist–Douglas Strachan, whose many works include the north window of the High Kirk of Saint Giles and The National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.
The reclaimed piece was once a window on Montrose Old Parish Kirk, Angus and represents the intricate craftsmanship and lasting beauty of stained glass. This piece truly represents the distinct religious stained glass style near the end of the Victorian era. The beautiful meandering leading and prominent depiction of realistic figurines speak to its well-deserved place among history’s finest. While the stained glass of today may be drastically different in style and subject matter, the pure staying power of such a beauty never goes out of vogue.
At Scottish Stained Glass we pride ourselves in carrying on a stained glass tradition that goes back many hundreds of years. We create our windows with the same attention to detail as the old masters, using traditional and modern techniques to make stained glass that will last for generations. We not only build custom stained glass windows for homes in the Denver/Metro area, we also do church stained glass restoration and repair. Since we understand the value of precious relics, like a decades or even centuries old chapel stained glass, we treat it with the corresponding respect. Choosing a company like Scottish Stained Glass is imperative to ensure quality craftsmanship and a long life for your windows. Properly constructed or restored stained glass window will last 80-100 years before needing more attention. We have 25 years of experience in the stained glass vocation and we are a stained glass contractor you can trust. For more information on custom or restored stained glass contact us today!
Stained glass is an art form and an old one at that. While the exact origins of stained glass are not illuminated from historical texts, we can be sure that an archaic form of stained glass was in use by the 6th century. As with many pieces of artwork, stained and leaded were a direct result of a need for function rather than a desire for artwork. We can deduct that stained glass was come upon gradually when the making of glass was still in its infancy. Larger pieces of glass were hard to stabilize. In an effort to fit bigger pieces of glass in larger windows, and keep them secured, first holes were bored in wood and filled with glass bits, then rustic frames were constructed and eventually lattice and leading similar to what we see today began making an appearance. By the ninth century, glass on the windows of architectural structures had been well refined and used quite frequently. At the same time, lead strips used to join panels of glass became very popular. The earliest surviving examples are fragments from: Kloster Lorsch in Germany (9th century) “The Head Of Christ” And The Augsburg Cathedral (late 11th C. or early 12th C.) “Five Prophets Windows” Since the time of these beautiful, but crude early creations, the art of stained glass has incrementally become more sophisticated. Old gothic techniques were blended with new glass pigment breakthroughs and more and more stunning pieces popped up not only in Europe but in the middle east on mosques as well. Century after century saw new advances and more increasingly majestic works of stained and leaded glass artwork. Eventually, stained glass making turned into a form of painting on the glass itself as if it were a fresco and we see the “stained glass” of the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries as more painterly imagery. However, with the advent of the Gothic Revival Period in the 1840’s there was a rediscovery of the Gothic process for blowing sheet glass which fortunately had been carefully documented. Stained glass similar to the very old stye of construction began resurging. The newly discovered “old” tradition is seen often in the Victorian period and continues today with use by relatively recent architects including Antonio Gaudi, Charles Mackintosh and Frank Loyd Wright. At Scottish Stained Glass we are proud to carry on the long and glorious stained glass craftwork. Although the techinques and materials have changed quite a bit since those early days, the desire to make something beautiful and lasting never go out of style. If you are looking for a stained glass window to become and instant heirloom in your house, contact us today!
At Scottish Stained glass, works of art, stained glass or otherwise, are what inspire us day to day. Take for instance a historical gem hidden deep in one of our largest market cities: Kansas City. Lying low amid a bustling single family home neighborhood is an unassuming but spectacular church building on the corner of 46th street and Main. While the beauty and individuality of the church are evident upon first glance, the very famous architect of this unassuming chapel may not be. When in fact, The Community Christian Church building, in the heart of the Kansas suburbs, was designed by no other than Frank Lloyd Wright himself. The congregation of the church has been around since the 1890’s, but after the destruction of their building by fire, in 1939, the design and construction of this new church building, under the direction of Frank Lloyd Wright, went underway in 1940. His mission “to build the church of the future”, was realized in 1942.
The hallmark design style of the Frank Lloyd Wright is still very evident today. A geometric interior roof paneling and a stylized hallway gate whisper of Frank’s touch.
While the geometric exterior and bold auditorium seats speak more loudly in the distinct design voice of the great American architect.
Although there is no stained glass on the original structure, one can find a lovely piece of Frank Lloyd style stained glass sitting unpretentiously on the square add-on building protruding from the Hexagon section. These windows, although not designed by Wright himself, do justice to his exquisite style. With so much history by such a famous designer, this quiet church will be forever an icon for Frank Lloyd Wright admirers worldwide and a must visit for any true fan of his work.
As stained glass artists, it’s treasures like, a community church with stunning details tucked away in an unassuming neighborhood, that keep us motivated. We work hard on our customer’s stained glass, large or small to make them beautiful for the sake of beauty–much like the master himself. We emulate the Frank Lloyd Wright style and have a deep appreciation for simple beauty, as did he. If you are looking for a stained glass window and like the Frank Lloyd Wright style, contact us today. We will do a free consultation and get you on your way to having a little piece of classic beauty in your home or church.
Pilgrims on their way to one of the most famous cathedrals in Spain, Santiago de Compostela, are a common sight, especially in the Summer. Whether from piety or a sense of adventure, each year many people in Europe begin a long pre-determined pilgrimage that ends at this mixed era gem of a church. The Santiago de Compostela we see today is very different than the humble chapel first constructed as early as 7th century. Throughout the years the there have been Romanesque, Gothic and even Baroque additions made to the structure. Additions including but not limited to a stunning stained glass window, hidden away in the rich historical church today.
Unlike many churches, there is very little stained glass in the famed Santiago Cathedral. On a small part of the interior, buried deep among the many awe-inspiring architectural features, there is an iconic and gorgeous stained glass window, depicting a holy person on a chair. It towers above the viewer in a majestic manner with no pretense of intimidation, but rather a burst of stained glass magnificence. Because of the scarcity of stained glass features, the window truly stands out and allows the viewer a refreshing change up from the abundant stone and tile work throughout. It is truly a sight to behold and reason enough for one to visit this historically rich church.
It is small snippets of history like the stained glass in the Santiago de Compostela that inspire us at Scottish Stained Glass. While our windows are more practical and suited for ubiquitous applications, our adherence to old school traditions and quality are the same. When we take on a stained glass commission, whether for home or church, we have the highest standards of techniques both traditional and modern to create a timeless work of art. If you are looking to add stained glass to your home, chapel or church, contact Scottish Stained Glass for a free consultation. Our 25 years of experience and appreciation for the intricacies of artful stained glass design make us Colorado’s stained glass expert. Our high quality stained glass windows are instant classics and will be enjoyed by your family or parishioners for years to come!
Nestled in the heart of the Capital Hill neighborhood, no more than a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of the very modern downtown Denver, is a beautiful relic of past–Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The spires of the cathedral rise high and stoic against the backdrop of Colfax avenue. The contrast of the almost gothic architecture is strange but interesting against the urban backdrop of the Denver city center. This gorgeous Denver landmark is well known to residents. Built from Colorado granite at the turn of the 20th century, it is truly a hallmark of Colorado craftsmanship. Interestingly enough, the church has been struck twice during its nearly hundred year tenure as one of Denver’s most prominent cathedrals but one would be want to see any evidence of damage remaining.
The most remarkable features of the cathedral are arguably the impressive stained glass windows that cover both front and sides of the massive structure. Considered some the finest in the world, there are 75 windows worthy of admiration. The windows were carefully crafted by F.X. Zettler, whose cathedral stained glass window portfolio was vast and well known. He was perhaps most well known for his one-of-a-kind glass colors and dyes. The stained glass on the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was no easy task. It took 50 artisans to craft the windows we see today, as gorgeous now as they were a century ago. By some estimates, the transept window alone would cost over $500,000 in today’s market.
At Scottish Stained Glass we have appreciation and respect for beautiful works of stained glass windows in Denver and around the world. We create and repair stained glass on churches, cathedrals, chapels, homes and businesses alike, always with the utmost of care and respect for the historical value. Keeping your stained glass in good repair is the key to longevity. Once restored, stained glass can go another 80-100 years before needing to be serviced again. If you have stained glass windows and would like to find out more about stained glass care or schedule a free consultation for repair, contact us today!
From the 10th century to the 16th century, the most popular form of pictorial art were stained glass windows. Stained glass from this time period typically featured brilliant red, blue, and green hues, involved techniques such as flashing, and the application of paint and silver stain was incredibly common. Now this style has been mostly abandoned by modern artisans, but the windows created from this time period continue to remain awe-inspiring works of art, attracting tourists and connoisseurs from around the world.
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Those who came to the “New World” brought with them traditions, styles, and ideas from around the world, creating a wonderful collage of ideas and aesthetics. Stained glass is one of those elements of style we inherited from across the pond. Stained glass windows grace the structure of many churches in the United States; some even stand out as the world’s finest. The stained glass in the chapels of the U.S. bear more of a resemblance to the windows we see in old world Europe, but true to the spirit of the ingenuity of American people, these windows are in a blended style all our own. Take for instance the Windows of the Chapel of Thanksgiving, Dallas, Texas. The abstract pattern of glass panes is similar in style to those in South America, while the rising spiral is reminiscent or Moorish architecture. These two seemingly opposite styles blend beautiful and are only further elevated by the use of strongly European colors.
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We see a much more traditional chapel stained glass on The Temple Emanu-El in New York City. On the glass itself, we see patterns and styles that mirror ancient Jewish Synagogue art, housed in arches that are familiarly Roman Cathedral-like. This Temple elegantly reflects the face of the City of New York itself, a beautiful city painted bright by diversity.
Stained glass is as much a part of the fabric of America as the diversity of people. While stained glass may mean different things to different religions and people, they are treasures to all and as such must be cherished and preserved. These truths are something Scottish Stained Glass takes to heart. Since we work in stained glass restoration, stained glass construction, and stained glass repair, we understand the value of these precious relics. We have restored, repaired and built stained glass in Utah and the rest of the United States for decades and our passion for all things stained glass shows. If you are looking for stained glass repair, restoration or construction and live in Park City, Lehi, Summit Park or anywhere else in the Salt Lake City area contact us today for a free consultation. When it comes to stained glass we are Utah’s premier restoration, repair and manufacturing company and you will see the difference experience makes when you work with us.
The Middle East and even some parts of North Africa are some of the oldest still intact windows in the world. As beautiful as they are ancient, they represent stories and sometimes even lessons from different religions. While the symbols and religious significance may vary, one common thread in these windows is the intensely respectful dedication to the art of form; fine craftsmanship being ubiquitous among them. The tradition of religious stained glass windows being the peak of glass art expression transferred easily to the new world. South America can make a case for some of the finest crafted stained glass windows the world. The Cathedral of Maringa in Brazil is a shinning example of an absolutely stunning feat of glasswork work , and one in a markedly different style and tone than that of the old world. As pictured below, the bright colors seem to rise, almost towering over the viewer in a color pallet akin to the bright foliage of the Amazon River Valley, pulling eyes upward in a prayerful gaze towards heaven. Another South American stunner, he Santuario Dom Bosco in Brazil, is unlike any other stained glass you have ever seen. The monochromatic magnificence of the cathedral stained glass windows bathe the chapel in ethereal azure light, giving it nothing less than a deeply moving ambiance. Again, in the spirit of the new world, this religious stained glass makes use of abstract, almost Picassoesque shapes in sharp contrast to the old world tradition of literal figures.
Where ever stained glass is found, church, chapel or synagogue, the artistic and spiritual value is there. These precious works of art and remembrance are of the utmost importance to keeping our history preserved. These truths are something Scottish Stained Glass takes to heart. Since we work in stained glass restoration, stained glass construction, and stained glass repair, we understand the value of these precious relics. We have restored, repaired and built stained glass in Kansas for decades and our passion for all things stained glass shows. If you are looking for stained glass repair, restoration or construction and live in Parkville, Overland Park, Olathe, Prairie Village, Leawood or anywhere else in the Kansas City/Metro area, contact us today for a free consultation. When it comes to stained glass we are Kansas’s premier restoration, repair and manufacturing company and you will see the difference experience makes when you work with us.
The Notre-Dame de Paris is a Catholic cathedral located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, France that was constructed in the year 1163. It is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris and houses some of the most important Catholic relics, including the Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the True Cross, and one of the Holy Nails. The cathedral has an incredibly important role in classic literature because of its setting in the famous novel written by Victor Hugo in 1831. It’s also considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world.
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Stained Glass is an age old craft the likes of which have spanned centuries, a variety of religions, and numerous continents such as Europe, Africa, North and South America and even some parts of Asia. This tradition started in earnest over 1000 years ago and some of the ancient stained glass still intact today. The physical creation of stained glass is achieved one of two ways: by adding metallic salts to the silica during manufacturing or painting the color on the glass and then fusing it to the glass in a kiln. The colored glass pieces are then arranged to form patterns or pictures, held together by strips of lead in a rigid frame. The foundation for these techniques came about in Medieval Europe and as such, many breathtaking pieces still reside there. Most commonly these pieces are seen in religious or church settings like the glass in La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain The artist, Gaudí, made intelligent use of light and shadows, giving one viewing the work a feeling of ascension and joy.
Pictured below, The Siena Cathedral in Siena, Italy in unquestionably some of the most beautiful and well preserved stained glass from the Gothic era. Brightly colored religious iconography, surrounded by intricate pattern work borders grace the stained glass windows as one of many stunning elements within the cathedral. This intricacy is awe inspiring consider the ancient era in which these windows were built.
The stained Glass in Coventry Cathedral looks like a gateway to heaven itself when gazed upon. Light and color pour through the graphic rectangular window giving the church an almost unearthly glow.
Scottish Stained Glass appreciates the beauty and history of these ancient stained glass windows. Since we work in stained glass restoration, stained glass construction, and stained glass repair, we understand the value of these precious relics. We have restored, repaired and built stained glass in Texas for decades and our passion for all things stained glass shows. If you are looking for stained glass repair, restoration or construction and live in the Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Houston or San Antonio areas, contact us today for a free consultation. When it comes to stained glass we are Texas’s premier restoration, repair and manufacturing company and you will see the difference experience makes when you work with us.
Because stained glass is one of the oldest forms of art, its exact origin is somewhat uncertain. Many people believe that the Ancient Egyptians were responsible for making the first colored glass beads, but it was the Romans that popularized the art back in the first century AD. Though the history of stained glass is somewhat mysterious, there’s no denying that its prominence can most widely be accounted for is its presence in religious sites throughout the world. Many of these windows are so intricate in their design and detail that their near flawlessness is considered by many in the art world to be a miracle.
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