The Centre is in an old disused church on Micklegate and has a fine display of medieval gIass in some of its windows.
I loved this display showing how stained glass is renovated.
The outline pattern is traced from the original window starting with the positioning of the lead and later adding details of the glass. You can see a leaf pattern at the left of the photo.
When the drawing is complete the window is carefully taken to pieces and each piece of glass is labelled before being cleaned and repaired.
A break in a piece of glass may simply be repaired by adding a lead join. This technique was used a lot in the past.They may replace the broken piece with glass of the same age and colour. Sometimes it may be sandwiched between two fine pieces of clear glass. This sounds simple but it can cause problems with condensation.
Finally the window is put back together using new lead strips and solder. The original drawing is put over a light source to be used as a pattern and guide.
@julieco yes we are so lucky to be in a place with so much history. I have been to the Minster workshops a long time ago when I was doing my teacher training and as a sideline did the training to take school parties around the Minster. Katharine
@dolphin Thank you. The workshop was very interesting and I was fortunate in the mid 70's to be taken around the Minster glass workshop by Peter Gibson, an authority on renovation of medevil glass. katharine
@vignouse Thanks. I like stained glass and have been fortunate to be able to go to lectures and see the work being done on renovation of the East Window of the Minster in the 1970's. Katharine
@silverhorn Thank you. We are rather spoilt in York for medieval glass, I have also liked more modern window in places like Manchester cathedral. Katharine
@bobhuegel Thanks Bob. Do you still have your glass, perhaps post a picture of it? I have a piece made for me by one of the Minster glaziers as a graduation present (1977) Katharine
@bruni Thank you Bruni. The glass has to fit into the same stonework. I find it amazing that after all they do it still goes into place so well. Katharine
@bkbinthecity I found it interesting especially as it makes use of one of the disused churches in York. I think they cleaned up for the weekend! Katharine
@hshdebbie They sound really interesting, perhaps a picture of them will appear soon? I don't collect anything in particular but have glass the girls have bought me that range from bought decorated bottles to wine glasses made by Louise when she painted glass as a hobby. Katharine
@jrstanier It was a great place to visit. Its nice that so many places opened their doors for residents to see what happens in this city of ours. Katharine
@bobhuegel I look forward to seeing it and hearing about it. Louise did quite a lot of glass painting when she was younger and we have wine glasses she made for our silver wedding anniversary. Katharine
February 1st, 2014
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