Memorial Windows
The creation of a memorial window is an age old tradition. Here are a few of the
steps involved in the design and fabrication process.
Artist, Donna Edmonson, creates a full-size "cartoon" of the memorial window from
the scale rendering we originally produced for the approval of the church. When the
drawing is completed,
coloured glass is selected and cut to fit each pattern shape.
All of the fine detail is achieved by painting on the glass.
This traditional painting technique has been used by glass artists for hundreds of
years. The detail is handpainted onto the glass. Here the face of Christ is being
painted on a clear antique glass. Flesh tones will be added in next. The painted
work will be fired in the kiln to form a permanent bond
to the glass.
Once all of the glass is painted and fired, the individual pieces are assembled on
the pattern using lead "cames" or channels. The lead is soldered together at
every joint on both sides of the window. The window is then grouted both sides
with a glazing putty that provides strength and waterproofing. Support bars are
added to carry the weight of the panel and prevent deflection. This traditional
lead came method of fabrication produces a stained glass window that will last a
century or more.