Medieval stained glass is uniquely colored and painted glass from the medieval period in Europe from the 10th century to the 16th century. A lot of this period of stained glass was made up of picture representation of saints, biblical scenes and rich iconography. While the reason for this is not exactly clear, the emerging color technology for stained glass at the time was surely a factor for this style. One of the first examples of colored window glass dates from 800–820 from excavations at the Abbey of San Vicenzo in Volturno, Italy. The medieval period, rich in colored stained glass, soon followed–less than 200 years later. [3

The Colors of Medevil Stained Glass

So, exactly what type of color was used that was so hallmarked to this period and place in stained glass history? Quite a few actually. Most of them actually stemming from impurities in the silica used for making the stained glass panels–some intentional–some not.

Medieval Blue Soda Glass

One of the most brilliant colors in Medieval stained glass is the blue soda glass. The early medieval glass was soda-based. Although quickly replaced with Forest glass there has been blue soda stained glass found in UK excavations at Old Sarum, Winchester and even some in France.

Red and Green Medieval Stained Glass

Green and red stained glass were likely made by adding copper– in the form of ore or copper filing.  Although the impurities in stained the silica alone usually accounted for a slight amber hue–this process allowed for deeper more pronounced red and oranges especially.

Silver Stain Medieval Stained Glass

In the early Medieval period, bold but still mostly clear glass was created by carefully controlling the furnace conditions to make them appropriate for reducing or oxidizing the area. However, later in the Medieval period (the 14th century) silver stain was introduced which made it possible to create a wider variety of glass hues.

The Importance of Medieval Stained Glass

Although Medieval stained glass windows were made long ago, they have had a huge impact on the modern glass we see today. This was the first era that not only introduced color into stained glass but rapidly developed many of the same colors we use today. Furthermore, with the use of color, this period in time ushered in an era of life-like representations of people, places, and things–not unlike much of what we see in stained glass today.

For more information on stained glass or to get a stain glass windows designed for your Colorado Springs home, contact us here at Scottish Stained glass today!

If you belong to a church with stained glass windows, you may wonder if they’re worth keeping and restoring. Perhaps someone recently pointed out signs of deterioration, such as cracks or chips in the glass. Or maybe your stained glass got a few small holes in it after a hail store. Either way, now your church has decide if it wants to invest money into the repairs.

Although it may seem like a burden to take on such costs, there are many good reasons for doing so. Historic church stained glass windows are not only rare and valuable, but they’re also an important part of history. Below, we’ve listed a few reasons why Salt Lake City churches should consider stained glass restoration.

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Are you tired of not having enough privacy in your home? Maybe you just moved into a new condo. Or perhaps you’re sick of dusting the blinds or drapes hanging over your windows. Either way, you need a new privacy solution. And we’ve got one: stained glass.

We know, that’s probably not the answer you were expecting to hear. But it’s true. Adding stained glass to your Fort Collins condo is a great way to create privacy. And the newer, more modern designs are stunning. Here are a few of our favorite privacy solutions for condos.

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Have you ever looked up and a stained glass window and stared at it, amazed by its beauty? While the intricate details and designs are indeed beautiful and admirable, the colors are a main part of what makes stained glass so stunning. But how are these colors made? Let’s find out!

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Stained glass is a lovely artform as anyone who goes to church or lives in a Fort Collins home that has it knows. The way it refracts the light is simply gorgeous and for believers, it can be downright ethereal.  In ways that have what contributed to the success of stained glass from the very start. It was beautiful but significant on a spiritual level as well.  This goes for the colors on stained glass as well. While these colors, of course, made up the overall artistic look in a stained glass window–they also meant something spiritually to those viewing.  For the poor this often meant understanding the text of the gospel they couldn’t read. For the rich–these colors reflected a way to live a better life. Read below to find out what each color stood for to both.

Stained glass colors symbolism

Red: As a representation of the blood of Christ this color often indicated strong emotions.  Things like love or hate were commonly associated with this color in stained glass. Also suffering and sacrifice from both Jesus and the martyred saints.

Blue: This color often symbolized heaven.  As such it also translated to representing hope, sincerity, and piety. The Virgin Mary is often seen wearing blue as a result.

Green: As the color of grass and nature green is an indication of spring and growth.  It accordingly represents rebirth, life and life over death in stained glass. It can also be a symbol of faith, immortality, and contemplation.

Yellow: Sometimes this color symbolizes treachery like that of Judas.  However, it is more common to see it used as the halo of saints and the Gates of Heaven.  In this context, it symbolizes divinity, power, and glory.

These are the colors most seen and stained glass in churches.  Next time you see a stained glass window hopefully you will have more insight into what the artwork means below the surface.  For more information on church stained glass contact us Scottish Stained Glass in Fort Collins today!