Recent Thefts of Stained Glass Panels

Crime and especially theft seems to be on the rise as the economy of the country continues to deteriorate. It seems even more so now that nothing is immune to the hands of those looking to make a quick buck. Even antique stained glass panels are now being stolen from churches! Recently a Lutheran Church in Minnesota had several stained glass items including windows stolen from a vacant parsonage in which they being stored during a renovation.

This of course was not the first incident of stolen stained glass from churches in the area or anywhere else in the United States. Just last summer over 150 stained glass panels were recovered by the St Paul police from previous robberies. Thieves are dressing up as construction workers to gain access without drawing too much attention then removing these fine works of glass art from the buildings.

Tiffany By Design Exhibit in Nashville

If you are a lover of Tiffany Lamps and stained glass panels and live near Nashville Tennessee then the Frist Center for the Visual Arts has an upcoming show which will interest you.
On Thursday June 26 the Frist Center will be showcasing the Tiffany By Design exhibition complete with music and martinis. There will be 40 antique Tiffany Lamps on display from The Neustadt Collection. If you are unable to attend that evening do not worry the exhibit will be open until Aug 24, 2008 for viewing.

Rivalry in Stained Glass

Many wonder is stained glass windows and Tiffany lamps would have been nearly as popular if Louis Tiffany and John LaFarge had not had such a heated rivalry between their stained glass studios. Both men have at one time been credited with the innovation of opalescent glass, and many end up giving this credit to Tiffany. Of course it is speculation on which came first and prompted the other; the rivalry promoting the public interest or the public interest in stained glass promoting the rivalry. Either way both men took every available opportunity to outdo and out create the other while working with stained glass panels and opalescent glass. With trade secrets, spying, and showmanship on a grand scale this was one rivalry that would have received large internet coverage if it has occurred in modern times.

Rise in Stained Glass Studios

Over the past 20 years the hobby of making stained glass art panels has seen a steady increase of small shops and groups who work to create beautiful panels mostly for the love of the art form. The Stained Glass Association of America has seen an increase in members as more and more individuals have more spare time for such hobbies as making stained glass panels and feel the need for a rewarding pastime. With this influx of new stained glass windows studios all over the US it is easier for homeowners to add that special beauty of colored glass to their home in a unique way that will create a unique center piece for a room or a elegant addition to just about anywhere. These studios can produce one of a kind piece that will match a home’s décor perfectly.

History of Stained Glass in America

Stained glass has a long history of at least 5,000 years throughout Europe. Yet in the United States stained glass panels have only been around since the mid 1800s. William Jay Bolton was the first to set up a glass studio, and did so in New York. He made his first stained glass window for a church in 1843, but not much else is known since he was only in business 6 years before returning to England.

It was not until the end of the 19^th century that Louis Tiffany and John LaFarge began their work in stained glass in America. But the two men set off a rivalry between each other that brought stained glass to amazing heights of popularity in the new century. These art glass panels as well as Tiffany lamps from stained glass now fetch very high sums with antique and art dealers all over the world.

Tiffany Stained Glass History

Many people wonder what made the stained glass panels of Louis Tiffany head and shoulders above those of the competitors. It was simple really, Tiffany stained glass panels actually had the color mixed into the glass as opposed to painted and then fired onto the surface as had traditionally been done. Of course Tiffany himself did not do the actual mix, he had chemists on staff in his studio who were paid well to mix his specific colors and keep these formulas secret. These were so secret that Tiffany himself did not know the needed combination to create a certain color of stained glass for his windows and Tiffany lamps, which used the beautiful glass.

Stained Glass Panels in Cabinets

Stained glass panels can greatly enhance cabinets and hutches! Many cabinet doors have plain glass inset in them allowing you to see inside easily without opening the door. This is very nice looking, and can create the illusion of a larger kitchen or dining room. Of course in the real world many people have clutter they really do not want everyone to see. Small stained glass art panels will give your cabinets a beautiful glass look and still hide the clutter you do not want everyone to see. Even if you do not have clutter filled cabinets, unique stained glass panels inset in your cabinet doors will make a showpiece in your home your guests will talk about. This is a easy way to get a new look in your kitchen or dining room cabinets without doing a major remodel and acquiring all new cabinets.

Using Stained Glass in Doors

A beautiful way to use stained glass art panels in your home is via your doors. Stained glass panels can be mounted within your entryway doors or into interior doors in your home to add a bit of color and style as well as to let light pass through more easily. Many doors already have glass panels inset, and these can easily be replaced with art glass windows. Also, most handymen or contractors are skilled enough a glass panel could be installed easily into most any door in your home.

Welcome to the Stained Glass Blog

Stained glass is a beautiful art form and we will look at some beautiful stained glass panels and lamps made with stained glass. We will post about exceptionally beautiful pieces as well as the history of stained glass and how these items are made.