Over the last year, we’ve had the pleasure of restoring the stained glass windows from Union Chapel. (See previous post here.) As this project nears completion, we’re taking a look back on our work.
One of our first tasks was to repair the deflection of the Connick panels. This repair involved scraping out old putty, cutting lead joints and slowly flattening the lead over low heat. Depending on the severity of deflection, some panels required nearly 50 cuts on both sides, a labor intensive process for sure. (See blue tape spots on image below.) But we were able to save the original lead. Once the panels were flattened, we resoldered all the lead joints and puttied the panels on both sides.
Some of the glass was smashed beyond repair. New pieces were acid-etched, painted and fired to match the originals. You’d be hard-pressed to tell which pieces are the replacements.
Next our attention turned to the large, plated opalescent window that sits above the altar. The panels have 2-3 layers of glass that work together to bring a sense of perspective to the scene. It’s a gorgeous window. By carefully removed failed lead, we were able to inspect and clean the glass between the layers. Seeing the rippling water effect up close was a highlight. We wrapped the layers of glass with copper foil to keep dirt out for good. Once the lead replacement was completed, we carefully puttied both sides of the panels.
Union Chapel sits on a very exposed site, close to the ocean. As a result, many of the sashes required new lower stiles and bottom rails. The smallest sashes needed to be remade entirely. The originals had slipped to “firewood” condition.
The operable metal vents at the base of each window required even more restoration. We didn’t think they were salvageable, but our colleague Alaina, from A.M. Design and Fabrication in Providence, RI convinced us to let her try. She did an incredible job — they’re unrecognizable from their former selves.
We are making a big push in the next six weeks to get the windows completed and installed. We look forward to getting them back to their beautiful home by the sea. While there are question marks surrounding everything in peoples’ lives right now, we join the trustees of Union Chapel in hoping that this summer will still allow for the special moments and celebrations the chapel has always been known for.