main page for traditional
History and related reading
Medieval Stained Glass and the Origins of Leaded Lights, Opalescent Glass, Tiffany and the Copper Foil Method. See also A Short History of Stained Glass.
See also How Coloured Glass Is Made.
Care: see How to Clean Decorative Glass Safely. Whether coloured glass fades is answered in Does Coloured Stained Glass Fade?.
Firing: see How Painted and Silver Stained Glass Is Fired. Another way of joining glass is Copper Foil Stained Glass.
See also stained glass styles by period and types of stained glass sheet.
Frequently asked questions
What is traditional stained glass?
Traditional stained glass is made from pieces of coloured glass, cut to a design, often painted and fired, and joined with lead came. Medieval windows were made this way, and the method is still used.
How is coloured glass made?
Colour comes from metal oxides added when the glass is melted. The article on how coloured glass is made explains the process.
Does stained glass fade?
Coloured glass itself is very stable, but painted detail can wear over centuries. See does stained glass fade.
What is the difference between stained glass and leaded lights?
Leaded lights describes the construction, and the glass may be clear. Stained glass refers to the coloured glass and its decoration.