How Stained Glass Windows Work

If you have ever visited an older church structure, you have most likely seen some of the grand stained glass windows that decorate so many churches. These windows are made by skilled professionals who are able to create scenes depicting religious events or interesting patterns. These windows do a lot to make a church look much more beautiful to visitors. The windows are traditionally provided hand-made by local firms that specialize in creating them, although some of the market has been taken over by industrial companies who produce stained glass windows by the dozen.

Those who made stained glass windows in the past were regarded as very skilled. There was usually just one person who made stained glass windows in each city, and he was commissioned for enough jobs to live off of, even if it was only 1 or 2 per year. A church wasn’t considered complete without a stained glass window. Usually the windows were seen as defining the church, along with the pattern used in the window. The patterns are meant to reflect the ideals or the faith of the church that displays them. If you learn to recognize certain patterns or objects that are shown in the windows, they will tell you lots about the church.

Stained glass windows are not made by painting windows, as many people would believe. On the contrary, the glass is melted into large pots. Metallic salts are added to the melted glass, which causes it to turn the desired color. The glass is then poured into a metal frame that holds all of the panes in place. The frame is then erected on the church, and there you have it. A beautiful stained glass window. The process usually takes a few weeks, since careful planning is required regarding the pattern and the colors. Often, advanced artist techniques are used with the colors to make them as beautiful as possible.

The tradition of stained glass windows in churches continues on today. You would be hard pressed to find a church that doesn’t proudly display a stained glass window or two. There are a few differences in the manufacturing processes today, and some would say that the windows are less authentic. But the meaning behind them is still there, and they still create a great decoration and focal point for any church.

Prestyle Stained Glass Windows

There are very early windows found in France, England, and Germany. It is unknown which are to be considered the first. In the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London you may see drawing of a panel in color. It forms a pattern of colored sunlight interspersed with small pieces of color. The original may have been from the eleventh century and could be one of the earliest stained glass windows. The window located in the cathedral of Le Mans in France is listed as the first stained glass window. The window is around 5 feet high by four feet wide. It is a picture of the Virgin Mary and the twelve apostles. The Cathedral of Saint Pierre was built in 1162 by Henry the Second of England. The crucifixion window is along the whole east end of the cathedral, the original window has been altered somewhat.