Releading
Releading is the replacement of the lead came in an old leaded or stained glass window. Lead is soft and, over about a century or more, it fatigues, cracks and sags, and the window starts to bulge. The glass is taken out of the old lead, cleaned, repaired and fitted into new came.
Before the work, the window is photographed and a rubbing is made so that the original design is recorded exactly. Each piece of glass is cleaned, broken pieces are repaired or replaced, and the panel is rebuilt and soldered, then cemented to make it weatherproof.
It is a standard part of conservation work, but it should be done only when needed, because every time glass is removed from the lead it is at risk.