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Posts Tagged ‘glass’

Stained Glass Through The Ages

February 10th, 2010 No comments

No one really knows when stained glass was first invented because it occurred before people really recorded history. However, some historians think that it was first used as a luxury in the homes of affluent Romans in the first century AD. Stained glass was eventually acclaimed as an art form in the fourth century as Christians started to worship candidly and to build intricate churches in which to observe their religion.

On the other hand, some historians demonstrate that there are signs in pre-Christian ruins that suggest that pagans used stained glass in their rites. Although we will probably never really know the start of stained glass, it is fairly clear that the spread of Christianity is directly related to the spread of use of stained glass.

The Gothic Era started in the 12th Century and stained glass windows became an essential aspect in the design of cathedrals. It really all started with the innovative designs of the St. Denis, France, where stained glass windows were employed to bring light into the church itself and into the minds of its worshipers. Unfortunately, most of the stained glass in the St. Denis Cathedral was smashed in the course of the French Revolution, but there are a few pieces left and even some entire windows on exhibit in Europe.

Gothic style stained glass was composed of strong lines, but these increasingly went out of style as the Renaissance began. Throughout the Renaissance, artisans showed better detail and more subtle colouring in order to add to the realism. Stained glass windows became more like paintings on glass than architectural features and some of the notable elements such as lead lines disappeared. Because of the problems in expressing the great detail essential to the Renaissance era, the old style, which was original stained glass more or less died out.

In view of the fact that stained glass was used mostly by the Catholic Church, much of the work was destroyed during the reign of King Henry VIII after his split with the Pope. However, not only old stained glass windows were destroyed, but many of the glass making works were destroyed as well. However, religious strife was not the only cause of the decline of stained glass.

The fashion of the Baroque era was for more detailed murals, which meant the use of clear glass. Therefore, many of the remaining stained glass windows were allowed to fall into disrepair, and furthermore not many new stained glass windows were produced. In the late 17th century, the public mood returned to the Gothic style of architecture, which produced a renewed fascination in stained glass windows.

Artisans continued to paint directly onto the glass at first, but later tried to imitate the old leaden frames of medieval days. However, since the earlier techniques had not been used for such a long time, they had become forgotten and the artisans of the period were unable to recreate the exact styles prevailing in Gothic stained glass.

During the 19th century, La Farge and Tiffany created new kinds of stained glass. La Farge tended towards window designs, while Tiffany went into new areas like the Tiffany lamp shade.

These days, stained glass artists are not constricted by religious styles, although much of the work they do involves refurbishment. Modern stained glass is also used as the centre pane in front doors, especially uPVC doors, by rich and poor equally in the West.

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with Waterford crystal vases. If you have an interest in Irish crystal or wedding rings, please go to our website now at White Gold Claddagh Ring

Sash Window Repair Specialists in London

February 10th, 2010 No comments

Bringing in sash window repair specialists to fix you sash window is not quite the same as bringing in someone to fix a modern window. There are different issues that a sash window may face. Glass panes can break, especially if they are hit with a round, blunt object like a baseball. More than that, the weighted “sash” can easily get stuck within the window frame causing the window to remain either open or closed.

Sash window repair specialists understand that it is not always easy to replace a pane of glass that is more than 100 years old. However, if it can be done it should be done. Throwing away the historical significance of the sash window is something that should be avoided whenever possible.

If it’s so difficult to fix shouldn’t we just replace them with a more modern window? While this is always an option, it’s not one that should be considered lightly. Sash windows are becoming rare, historical, and are full of character that you just can’t get from a modern window. Replacing these windows isn’t likely to provide better insulation nor is it likely to provide a better aesthetic value to your home.

Bringing in sash window repair specialists is like bringing in a historical window expert. He or she will be able to evaluate the window in question and provide you with the best possible solution.

With the “sash, ” or weighted pulley, hidden within the frame of the window, after 100 or so years it could be expected that the pulley would get kinked or even wear through. Replacing this weighted pulley requires that the window frame is disassembled and the weighted pulley is restored while it remains in the window frame.

Whatever the repair ends up to be, the important thing is that you and the sash window repairs specialists were willing to preserve a historical window and keep your home’s character intact. This is a significant part of preserving our history throughout the world. The simple things that represent a time in our history shouldn’t be easily discarded.

Thanks for taking the time to read we hope you found it informative, if you would like to read more about sash window draught proofing or sash window repairs please visit www.sashwindowrepairs-london.co.uk

Concepts To Contemplate When Looking For Your Window Cleaning Company

February 7th, 2010 No comments

Of course we all love a clean window and having to look into dirt and grime everyday just makes us feel unhappy inside. By having an expert window cleaning company do the job for you, will give you more time to concentrate on other things.

There is arguably nothing worse than sitting at a window and you cannot see out, because it has not been cleaned in years. You are doing such a disservice to your environment as it negatively influences our emotional state. Staff members become uninterested and lethargic because they are unable to use their vision to see far.

We need to rest our eyes when we concentrate on one area the whole day. For instance if staff members work on computers they must take a break and rest their eyes. If you have dirty windows then they only have their immediate surroundings to focus on. Optometrists will tell you that we all need to focus our eyes on something far away for effective rest to take place.

Having crystal clean windows will give them the opportunity to look at into the blue sky or onto nearby tree tops. You will be doing them a service and will also help save their eyesight as well. You win either way. So don’t delay in getting this important task done as soon as possible.

Getting expert cleaners to clean your windows is so easy. First go on line and start searching for window cleaners near you. Depending on your requirements, for instance you might have a large building with many windows on each floor, or your needs are only to have one floor done. Narrow your search even further to commercial window cleaners in your specific location.

Or if you do not have the time to clean your windows at home, then look up residential cleaners. These are smaller companies who will give you great advise as well, on how to get your entire home done without much fuss.

Most companies however do both and will give you quotes regardless of the amount of windows you want cleaned. The only thing you should worry about however, is getting a well known or reputable company to do your windows. They will instantly brighten up your life or those of your staff’s.

Learn more about the numerous advantages available to you when you employ a reliable, reputable and quality group of window cleaners in London. The team is able to meet all your needs and requirements efficiently and quickly!