New Forms Of Stained Glass Made In City

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29858, 26 June 1962, Page 2

New Forms Of Stained Glass Made In City

New forms of stained glass and mosaic have been developed -in Christchurch.

The evolution of plate glass during the last two centuries has made possible new methods, according to the manager of the factory where they were developed. The new type of stained glass is a form called deep-carved colour work, giving continuity and light effects not possible before. Glass used in the production of traditional stained glass was often irregular and as thin as l/16in. Each piece was joined together with perishable lead. Deep-carved colour work is modelled on a single sheet of plate glass, with the design carved deeply in the glass and stained, thus sealing the colour and giving it permanence. The carving is done with engraving guns, and a large window design may take about two and a half months to complete. Formerly done

by hand, it could take up to 12 months. Traditional mosaic consists of many small pieces of glass joined together, backed with cement or similar fixative, and attached to a wall. But the new method again calls for a single sheet of glass, about 4in thick, which is machine-engraved about two thirds of the way through. When the design has been engraved and carved, stained and burnished, the whole sheet of glass is turned into mosaic by hand-blasting. This method gives the same effect as traditional mosaic, but achieves added transparency and is completely reversible if used as a window. The effect of light shining through the design enhances it. adding depths of colour and showing every detail to advantage. The first of the new mosaics would be used in a church in Canterbury to be opened late this year. It could also be valuable for wall murals, decorative work in modern building, or for the home, said the factory manager.