Stained glass, throughout its thousand year history, requires the artistic skill to conceive an appropriate and workable design, and the engineering skills to assemble the piece. Colored glass has been produced since ancient times, both the Egyptians and Romans excelled at creating small colored glass objects. Evidence of stained glass can be found throughout Europe, with the earliest reference dating to 675 AD when workman from France where imported to glaze the windows of the monastery of Saint Peter.
Modern vernacular usage of stained glass has grown to include flat and dimensional glass objects d’art created from lead came and copper foil technique. Louise Comfort Tiffany exemplified these techniques during the 19th and 20th century.
This ancient technique of making glassware can be seen in Egypt prior to the advancement of glassblowing. Simply described, Paste of glass is applied to the surface of the mold with precise control of color. The mold is then accurately kiln fired to ensure flow & strength of the glass. Typically several days’ length in time. After firing, the glass is carefully removed from the mold, grinded & polished.
Pâte de Verre technique was “lost” during the centuries. Rediscovered during the Art Nouveau era by French artist Henri Cros & a small handful of glass artist. It was again “lost” to time becoming known as the “Phantom technique”.
Or the ‘lost wax process,’ enables almost any object to be transformed into solid glass. A wax mold is created and investment is placed…..