Leaded Glass
Leaded glass is the simplest form of architectural glass, but simple doesn’t mean boring! Like traditional stained glass, leaded glass windows are made of lead frameworks as well as clear or uncolored and patterned glass pieces. The structure is the same, but it makes for a different visual appearance.
Leaded glass windows are mosaics of glass, cut to the shape desired and placed together by strips of grooved lead – cast or milled to make an ‘H’ in cross-section then soldered together, creating a lead matrix. The lead is not merely functional but forms a critical part of the overall design of a window. This is all then reinforced and anchored into the window frame.
Leaded glass windows are made of the same key materials as traditional stained glass.
- Glass, the primary artistic medium in the piece
- Lead came and solder, the primary support structure
- Rebar, the steel structural support of the entire window
- Cement or putty, to seal and waterproof the window.
Associated Crafts® & Willet Hauser® have been creating, repairing, and restoring leaded glass windows for over a hundred years and bring that century-plus of institutional knowledge to every project.
When done properly, leaded glass windows have the potential to last decades! Every window, no matter how perfectly made and installed, will require routine repair and maintenance over the course of its lifetime. Exposure to the elements will wear away at the cement and putty, the foundation or building may settle, pressing on the frame and putting pressure on the glass panels. Whatever the cause, Associated Crafts® & Willet Hauser® can help.
Leaded glass maintenance is broken down into two categories: repair and restoration. Often a combination of the two is required. Find out more about Historic Restoration
Leaded glass window repair can include any and all of these techniques:
Exceptional Care, Exceptional Craftsmanship, Exceptional Experience
For over a century, the Associated Crafts® & Willet Hauser® stained glass studio has been creating wonderful new leaded glass windows and performing necessary window repair and maintenance when needed. We bring that experience, care, and craftsmanship to every project to preserve these beautiful works of art for decades to come.
Apprenticeship Program
Multi-year program features several major areas of study including studio work, field work, and Design Work.