Stained glass is non predictable and constantly changing piece of art, which brings joy along with its play of colors and lights. The technology of this piece of art has a long story. Since 5th century windows of churches and monasteries were tessellated with colored glass, which was inserted into wooden or stone frame. Later those kinds of frames were replaced with lead armature. The greatest peak of stained glass art was reached in early middle ages, when gothic churches, palaces, castles and houses of the rich people all around the Western Europe were decorated with this kind of glass. It is becoming more and more attractive our days, however remains elite and quite expensive interior detail, because of its uniqueness.

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Stained glass

A real breakthrough in history of stained glass was made by L.K. Tiffani, who invented new technology – he decided to envelop glass pieces into copper foil, weld it with tin and cover with platinum. Therefore stained glass became more graceful, however more reliable as well. In 20th century stained glass mostly was created for public buildings, but in last decade when architecture became laconic and almost minimalistic, stained glass popularity started to disappear. This vanishing forced artists, who were working with stained glass, to search for new ways of expression in this sphere. What is more, there was a need to adopt this kind of art to the new kind of society. Therefore stained glass has changed. New processing technologies (such like etching, foundry, glass-blowing and glass harmonization with other substances) were attached. Stained glass is becoming more and more popular to arrange in individual houses not only because the technique has been improved a lot, but also due to changes in glass manufacturing and improvement of tools as well as facing methods. The art pieces of glass became softer, diversiform and therefore more fitting into casual up-to-date environment.

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Stained glass patterns

 

However the most popular use of stained glass remains classical – for windows or inside doors as there it not only helps to create a specific particular temper depending on intensiveness of light, but also helps to avoid pry glances. Stained glass also could be encrusted into furniture (such like cupboard or table), hubcap of chandelier or just be used as a decorative panel. A picture of colorful glass put on the window can cover unpleasant view of neighbor building wall and replace curtains. What is more, stained glass could also be useful in order to create a partition wall or folding screen in the room.

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Modern use of stained glass

The most important thing is to remember, that even the most extraordinary piece of staining glass will lose the value without the light, so it’s essential to find a well lighted place in order to let it appear in all the dreamlike beauty or create some exotic mood and bring the value of gothic mystique.