February 2012
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Nearing the end of the longest phase

Well, we are nearing completion of 6 windows in the shop and we only have 4 more to go after that to finish the operable side windows in the sanctuary.

Thought I would share some photos of the repair work as well as some details of the security window system.

First up is a gallery following the repair of the San Diego De Alcala window.

Next up is a gallery showing the polycabonite protective window system in place and in detail.

Welcome to the Saint Lawrence the Martyr Stained Glass Restoration Project Blog

Welcome.

We are changing the format of our SLM Restoration web page to make it easier to see the progress of the project and to make it easier to make updates.

We also like being able to receive comments about the project, so please let us know what you think!

We will be updating our progress at each step. But first we are going to move what has already been reported over to this new format and fill in the updates we missed. So allow us a bit of time travel to start off here!

Thank you,

Brad Mathews

SLM Restoration Blog Administrator

Set #8 and Set #9 Pulled

We have Sets 8 and 9 in the shop now.  These are not in as good a shapes as 6 and 7, but they are not nearly as bad off as set 5 so they should not take too long.

With the weather improving, we are also gearing up to start the upper windows on the west side. Up to this point, we have only been repairing the operable windows (ones that open) as we can remove the entire sash without needing to remove the actual leaded glass window from it protective glazing.  This is fast and easy, relative to the alternatives anyway.

The upper windows are a different process in many respects. Much of the work will be done on site from a scaffold. Because these are not operable, any windows that really need repair need to be completely removed from the sash which means lots of chipping out of old and dry putty.

We experimented with this early on for the lower windows (see Glass Removal Begins) and decided it was much better to keep the windows in their sash where possible. It is less risky for the window.

Set #6 and Set #7 Installed

6 more windows done.

This last batch was not as damaged so went a little quicker to everyone’s relief.

We are not pulling any more out until after Easter.

Happy Easter everyone!

Anatomy of a Repair, Part I

Thought I would show you some shop photos showing some repair steps.

Here you go!

Set #6 and #7 Pulled

“Now are cooking with gas!” as Jim would have said.

Pulled a double set – 6 windows. Working on 6 windows at once takes up a lot of space in the shop, but we  need to make up for time lost on set #5.

Set #5 Finally Done! Or is it?

Whew! This set of windows was a lot of work!

Every window was a major project.

Then the day before scheduled installation, another piece of glass suddenly breaks. This is a risk we live with. Each piece may look whole, but there might be the slightest stress crack in the edge of a piece of glass under the lead. When the perfect pressure is applied at the right angle, pop!

So we put in 2 of set#5 windows. We will be a bit staggered on our sets from now on.

Will be posting a bunch of pictures showing various repair steps.

Set #5 Pulled

Happy New Year

Time to get back to work!

Set #4 Installed

Making progress!

This last set had a few broken pieces of hand painted glass which Char lovingly recreated.

We are not pulling any more windows until after Christmas so everyone can enjoy the Sanctuary without colored plexi-glass.

Set #3 Installed, Set #4 Pulled.

We finished with set #3 and removed set #4 for repair.