|
Stained Glass Information |
| Stained glass refers to glass that has been coloured by added metallic salts during its manufacture. In order to produce sheets of coloured glass, the molten glass is annealed slowly in a furnace. Unlike the early stained glass, where manufacturers were limited to a small range of primary colours, today’s glass can be produced using any colours.
The artist will paint on any fine details such as shadows or outlines, using a special paint made from metal oxides. The finished piece is then fired in a kiln. Coloured glass is available in many different textures. These cause the glass to have light and colour transmission characteristics that can provide surprising results. The finished stained glass product is sold by weight, in sheets. The whole process involves the art of cutting coloured glass into various different shapes. Once shaped by grinding, they are fitted into channelled lead strips known as came. The pieces are soldered together and installed in a frame to create a window. Stained Glass: A Brief History Originally, the primary purpose in making stained glass windows was to provide an expression of faith and a desire to adorn the house of God. Also, the art generally has something important to say. These sorts of windows were often made as a way of ensuring you go to heaven or, to celebrate a notable person or group from the community. Stained glass manufacture is an ancient art. Saxon (7th century, Jarrow) is the earliest known stained glass. However, evidence of glass making in Egypt dates back to as far as 400 BC. The manufacture of a window back in those times is a remarkable step for technology. The cost of glass in the Middle Ages was extremely high, making stained glass a very valuable commodity The Manufacturing Process If you wish to make your own stained glass it is important to understand that it is a time-consuming project which requires much skill and patience. However, the final product will be absolutely breathtaking. The initial step is to make your own pattern. To do this you require a piece of cardboard which is large enough to accommodate the entire picture. Decide what colours you want to use, remembering that the main designs need to be a different colour than the background to make them stand out. You now require the following items:
Cut out each piece, numbering it appropriately. Cement each pattern piece to the colour of glass that you want to use. Make sure you are wearing the appropriate protective gear and use the glass cutters to cut out each piece. Grind down any rough edges and clean each piece of glass with the glass cleaner. Fit all the pieces together into your pattern shape. Next, apply copper foil to every edge of the glass pieces. The solder won't stick to the glass, but it will stick to the foil. Once this has been done neatly, use the flux to clean off the foil in order for the solder to stick better. Do not use too much, though, and follow the directions on the container. Solder the pieces together one side at a time. Be sure that all of the pieces are soldered together well, to ensure none fall out. Finally, clean your entire masterpiece with a good glass cleaner and connect a strong wire hanger to the top. Display it in a sunny window and enjoy the hard work paying off Opportunities in the industry If you wish to study about the art of stained glass manufacturing, this course will be perfect. Details are shown below. STAINED GLASS DESIGN & PRODUCTION Course profile On this course you will learn about the knowledge and practical skills that are required to work with traditional glasswork materials. You will also investigate new innovative methods to develop ideas for imaginative solutions in the design and production process of decorative glass. This course is run in a specialist Decorative Glasswork studio and workshops that are equipped with the latest equipment to meet industry standards. The module subjects on the course studied include:
Progression Opportunities - Careers This course is designed to bring out employment/self employment opportunities in the decorative glass industries |
|
||||
|
||||