church stained glass wheat ridge restoration

At Church Stained Glass Restoration, we pride ourselves in preserving historical marvels. Our recent project at Wheat Ridge Congregational Church in Wheat Ridge, CO, is a shining example of our dedication to conserving religious art.

Background of the Church & Historic Stained Glass

The Wheat Ridge Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ, located in Colorado, boasts a rich history as one of Denver metro area’s oldest continuously worshiping churches. Established in May 1882, it has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century. In 1956, the church was relocated to its current location, carefully transferring its original stained glass window to the new site.

This stained glass window, approximately 100 years old, is believed to be an original Tiffany creation. It represents a significant piece of both religious and artistic heritage. The Tiffany-style stained glass, though shrouded in mystery, is a community jewel.

Challenge: Restoring a Tiffany-Era Relic

Restoring the stained glass was a multifaceted challenge. Believed to be a Tiffany original, the window was a century-old testament to historical artistry, but time had not been kind. Bullet holes spoke of turbulent past events, while cracks crisscrossed the delicate glass. The lead holding the pieces together was deteriorating, causing the window to bow and lose its structural integrity. A century of exposure had layered dirt and grime on the glass, obscuring its intricate details. Adding to the complexity, the original drapery glass, a key feature of Tiffany-era windows, was no longer in production, making replication impossible. The window was also victim to outdated plexiglass installations on the exterior, contributing to heat damage and detracting from its aesthetic appeal.

Solution: A Delicate Balancing Act

Recognizing the window’s potential as an original Tiffany, our team at Church Stained Glass Restoration adopted a strategy of conservation over conventional restoration. This meant every effort was made to preserve the original elements. We employed cutting-edge, proprietary glass mending techniques, developed in-house, to ensure that each repair was invisible and seamless, blending indistinguishably with the original glass. Our approach balanced historical reverence with the latest advancements in stained glass conservation, ensuring the window’s authenticity and historical integrity were maintained. We aimed not only to repair but to rejuvenate, preserving the window’s original glory for future generations to witness and admire.

Implementation: Precision in Every Detail

The restoration process was intricate and labor-intensive, requiring a meticulous approach. Our team began with a thorough assessment, cataloging every damaged aspect with precision. Special focus was given to the prominent crack on the angel’s face, a critical element of the window’s narrative. Our specialists, combining artistry with technical expertise, delicately mended each crack, ensuring the repairs were completely seamless and undetectable. The challenge of the original drapery glass was met with innovative solutions that mimicked its texture and appearance without compromising the window’s historical value. The plexiglass was replaced with materials that offered protection without causing damage, thus preserving the window’s renewed beauty and integrity.

Results: A Resurrected Masterpiece

The restoration brought the stained glass back to life, its vibrant colors and intricate design shining anew. The window now stands not just as a relic of the past, but as a rejuvenated piece of art, inspiring future generations.

Beyond Restoration – Preserving History

At Church Stained Glass Restoration, we are more than conservators; we are guardians of history. The Wheat Ridge UCC stained glass restoration wasn’t just a project; it was a celebration of heritage and faith, a testament to our unwavering dedication to preserving such historical artifacts.

Contact us today to bring new life and beauty to your cherished stained glass and become a part of preserving history.

Martin Faith is an expert in the areas of stained glass conservation, preservation, and history. For over thirty years, he has been working as a stained glass artisan and restoration expert. Martin grew up studying stained glass in Glasgow, where he began acquiring and salvaging beautiful collectibles made by Scottish artisans. In Glasgow, he learned the critical skills and traditional techniques required for creating the stunning stained glass windows produced by his company today in the United States, where he now resides with his wife and family. Over the years, Martin has consulted on numerous church stained glass restoration projects throughout the nation, ranging in size and complexity. Martin and his team have successfully repaired hundreds of religious stained glass windows, including those belonging to churches, cathedrals, temples, and synagogues as well as all religious denominations. He has overseen over 50,000 projects in total and is one of the most accomplished professionals in the industry.