The Ladies Some restoration projects can be very difficult especially when key parts of the original are missing as in this example. The window was part of an estate sale in Chicago, IL. The window measured approximately 5' x 7' and is typical of a period of stained glass revival in the late 19th to early 20th century. The opalescent glass in the background and border did not appear until the end of the 19th Century - introduced by Tiffany and LaFarge. The imagery - the 3 ladies - was also typical of the period. When it was brought to me it was obvious that some restoration work had already been done, but as you can see in the detail picture of the kneeling lady (detail of woman's head before), very badly. I removed all of the poorly restored glass (other detail with openings in the window) and began to recreate the look of the original art. The drawing and cartoon of the third lady was the first step (detail sketch). The real challenge was recreating the flesh quality. For that I used clear glass with a pale flesh tone backwash. Several firings in a kiln were required to set the tone and blush of the face. The result (detail of woman's head after) was as near a duplication of the original as was possible without the original art. While not for sale, this window represents the type of restoration I am capable of.
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Stained Glass like no other medium transforms the light that passes through it into something special. To each viewer that moment is unique and personal; an experience that will change from moment to moment.
My roll is part keeper, through my restoration work, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the visions of the past, and part provocateur - pursuing new unexpected perspectives to the art.
Glass Restoration Stained Glass Studios is a full service organization. In addition to new work, if you have a problem with a stained glass window in need of repair or restoration, give me a call or send me an email, we can help.
My introduction to stained glass began while attending church with my parents.The light and color that cascaded through the many windows of the sanctuary fascinated me. However, it was not until years later, while attending Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio that I got my first hands-on connection to the art form. There, I had the opportunity to attend a stained glass class given by the head of the Art Department, Bob Metcalf (internationally recognized master glass designer and author). Through one of Antioch's work programs, Bob gave me an introduction to Willet's Studios, Philadelphia, PA where I apprenticed under the guidance of Crosby Willet. Later, that experience led me to several jobs at studios in the Bay Area among them Cummings Studios of San Rafael, CA. Still, it would be several years before I finally understood the art that had drawn me to it so many years before. To do that, I went to Europe to study stained glass design. There, I enrolled in a comprehensive course of study at Swansea College of Art in Swansea, Wales, UK. The college's name was changed in 2007 to Swansea Metropolitan University. I received a degree, P.C.D. in Architectural Glass, as well as the traditional City and Guilds stained glass craftsman certification (honored in the United Kingdom).
In 1970, I settled in San Francisco, CA. In 1986, with my wife and children, I moved to Burlingame.
Professional Experience:
Installations:
San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, CA
Hilton Hotel, San Francisco, CA
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, San Francisco, CA
Harrah's Lake Tahoe, S. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Tropicana Hotel Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Numerous residences in California and Nevada
Restorations:
St. John's Presbyterian Church, San Francisco, CA
Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA
Glide Memorial Church, San Francisco, CA
First Presbyterian Church, Berkeley, CA
Lakeside Presbyterian Church, San Francisco, CA
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, San Francisco, CA
Publications:
Books-
New Glass by Otto Rigan
Magazines-
American Institute of Architects Journal
Stained Glass Quarterly
Faith and Form
Crafts Horizon
Glass Art Magazine
Glass Studio
City Arts Monthly
Art Week
Source Book of Architectural Ornament
Other Media-
KQED Public Television - "Art Notes"
Other:
Teaching-
California College of the Arts, Oakland, CA
San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Exhibitions-
Museum of Contemporary Crafts, New York, NY
Stained Glass International, New York, NY
Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles, CA
Triton Museum of Art, Santa Clara, CA
Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA
A.I.A. Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Artwork included in the collection of the Oakland Museum,
Oakland, CA
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