BACKGROUND: Installed in St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, this single lancet style panel features a stylized image of a window with a crown and cross at it center and capped by a filigree motif. The pattern relies fully on a mixture of unpainted textured cathedral and opalescent glass, and the matrix is composed of round lead. The crown includes eleven pressed glass jewels set in lead with floated solder.
CONDITION: Panel was unstable and experiencing heavy buckling throughout the lower half and around an area of loss on the upper, left side. Putty was crumbling and missing in several areas. There were multiple fractures and a portion of missing glass. Due to loss of stability and amount of metal fatigue, panel required releading. Float soldered portions were retained and reincorporated during the releading process.
TREATMENT: Prior to disassembly, dual rubbings were taken of the window to be used as a cartoon for releading. A wet disassembly process was used to dismantle the window and the glass was cleaned in warm water using a soft, synthetic bristle brush. Compatible replacement glass was selected and cut for missing sections. Inserted lead lines used for repairs. Following releading process, panel was cemented and saddle bars attached via copper wire were incorporated for support.
IMAGE: Detail of damaged section on lower left side shows missing and damaged glass, BT.
"Crown and Cross" window, AT
