I have recently completed the restoration of 6 leadlight panels from a heritage Queenslander home in Yeronga, Brisbane, built in 1924. The panels have a lovely floral motif and intense purple and aquamarine colours. While the panels were not damaged in the 2014 Brisbane hailstorm that heavily damaged a lot of heritage stained glass windows in the area, they did suffer the harsh Queensland sun and the lead was crumbling down.
One of the leadlight panel before restoration. The lead is crumbling.
Detail of one leadlight panel showing bowing in correspondence of the flower motif.
Interestingly, the same motif was present in other leadlight windows around the house’s veranda: these windows were in immaculate conditions because soon after building, the veranda was enclosed to add more indoor space to the house.
Restored leadlight panels and timber frame casements installed in place at the heritage-listed Yeronga residence.
The restored windows shining through the night.
One of the leadlight panel during the rebuilding phase.
The restoration of these windows was carried out in 6 weeks and all the panels were rebuilt from scratch maintaining the same width and type of lead cames. Few glass pieces were broken but fortunately we were able to match the original glass with some heritage glass we had in stock in Glass Artistry’s studio, thus maintaining the original design: at Glass Artistry, we always strive to matching the glass that needs replacement as close as possible.
The restored leadlight windows installed in the Yeronga house.
Along with the restored panels, we provided to the owners a full report detailing the status of the windows. We also organised for the restoration of the original timber frames of the leadlight windows. Once we removed the leadlight, my collaborator John Britnell from JayBee Woodworks took all silky oak frames apart, brought them back to bare timber, reconstructed the damaged portion by inserting matching silky oak. John then stained the internal part of frames by carefully recreating the original stained and also recoated the external part of the frames.
John from JayBee Woodworks completing the installation of a leadlight panel into its timber frame casement.
John and I applying the last touches to the restored timber frames with the installed leadlights.
The owners of the restored leadlight panels sent me a very kind email of appreciation of the restoration works:
Hi Magda,As you know, both Shirley and I are extremely happy with the service you have provided in the restoration of our windows. You showed the utmost care, from understanding our needs at the beginning of the project, through to the planning and execution of the work.
Your skill and artistry has added a great deal of heritage value to our home, and we would not hesitate to recommend your services.
So, thank you again for your professionalism and for the obvious passion you have for your craft, you really looked after us.
All the best for the future, and our sincerest gratitude for all your efforts.
Warm regards,
Luke Harrison
The restored leadlight panels ready for installation.
