A brief history of stained glass


In the 12th Century, the Golden Age of Gothic Architecture began with Abbe Sugar who filled his Abbey Church of St. Denis, near Paris, with "the most radiant windows" to "illuminate men's minds so that they may travel through it (light) to an apprehension of God's light."

Colored glass was especially used in medieval churches because of its spiritual quality as well as its sensual appeal. Many references in the Bible are made to color. Beginning with Genesis, the colorful rainbow is referred to as God's Covenant with man after the flood. Churches and Cathedrals became adorned with colored glass as these monuments to God were constructed all over Europe. The art of stained glass not only provided beauty and comfort, but was instructional for the illiterate people of the times. The many patrons were craftspeople and shopkeepers, along with wealthy families. Family crests and vignettes of crafts can be found throughout medieval windows to acknowledge their contribution.

The art of stained glass went through many changes, due to the development of glass paints, stains, enamels, and newer methods of glassmaking over the past 500 years. However, the basic concept has not changed, which is the shaping of a piece of glass, wrapping it with a strip of lead came, and the joining together of them with solder. Modern technologies, such as electric soldering irons, scissors and glass cutters, have not changed the final product. The need for human vision in the creation of the art also has not changed. The eye for the selection of the colored glass, the hands to cut the glass and solder the leads together still remains.

The art of stained glass is a total human and spiritual experience, not only for the creator but for the viewer as well, and it is one of the last arts that has not succumbed to the mechanical and electronic age. It has, however, moved forward into the secular art world and can be seen and enjoyed in all walks of life. It has become, as stated by Frederick Stymetz Lamb, "An Art for All the People."