The History of Dalle Stained Glass

Fort Worth has Dalle stained glass and if you are like us–you probably love it. If you haven’t seen it before– it is a type of stained glass made with cement or epoxy joints rather than lead caming. This makes it wonderful because it allows for large, bold stained glass artworks both indoors and out. Another interesting about Dalle stained glass is that it is a more recent stained glass style. Because of this, its origins have been well-recorded. And how this style spread across the world in only a few decades is amazing

Where Dalle Stained Glass Was First Made

The very first Dalle faceted windows were made in France just after World War I. An obscured artist collaborated with a french glass shop to come up with these cement and stained glass panels as a commission. Soon after, it was seen in French architect Auguste Perret’s work. He used it to make faceted glass concrete walls in the Notre-Dame du Raincy church in a Paris suburb. It wasn’t long after that French artists began using faceted glass in their architectural projects. Many of which were churches. 

Jean Gaudin is given credit for the complete development of this technique. He started with 1.25” thick poured then shaped by breaking with a hammer or cutting with a saw. The edges would often end up chipped which increased the faceted effects. These large stained glass pieces were then laid in a geometric design in a framed bed of sand. Sand and cement or epoxy resin were then poured between the glass pieces forming a frame. When it dried and clean it resulted in thicker, studier glass works of art with deep color and effects. However, it wasn’t until the1950s and 1960s that this glass really came into popular use.

Dalle de Verre Stained Glass In the 1950s and 60s

Dalle de Verre spread went first to the UK and was brought there by a man named Pierre Fourmaintraux. He subsequently trained Dom Charles Norris in the new technique, a Dominican Friar who went on to become one of the biggest proponents of this type of work. Today his works can be seen incorporated into several Modernist Catholic churches. Although early Dalle US installations were made at the beginning of the century, the Cathedral of St. Joseph where Jean Barillet created 26 windows that were each 67 feet high and 13 1/2 feet wide was made around 1959. These windows arguably started the Dalle de Verre stained glass period in the US.

Unfortunately, this type of stained glass fell out of vogue 1970s. This was in part because of changing tastes of the time but also because the glass was sometimes subject to structural problems over time. The size, weight and the hard to remove cement matrix posed challenges to restoration.

Here at Fort Worth Stained Glass or any of our nationwide locations we can work on and restore your Dalle stained glass to preserve a piece of history. Contact us today for more information.

To Repair or Remove? A Closer Look at Repairing Stained Glass for Historical Homes in Fort Worth

Here in Fort Worth has a lot of homes from the early part of the 20th century. One thing decor element many of these homes have in common is historical stained glass windows–which were prevalent at that time. If your Fort Worth home was built before 1920 your stained glass is antique and likely needs restoration. People who own historic homes often ask us if they should repair or remove this type of deteriorating historical glass. That is a personal decision based on their tastes and budget. However, below we have provided some guidance on why restoration may be the best idea. 

The Key Benefit Of Restoring Stained Glass

We like to say the best reason for restoring stained glass rather than removing because historical glass has great value and this value is three-fold.

Antique Stained Glass Has Historical Value

The early 1900s were a time of great change here in the US–, especially in the west. Built-in an era of progress and changing tastes, stained glass windows here in Texas are therefore historically significant. While this may not translate directly into money– you can’t put a price on preserving a bygone era. Making historical windows in Fort Worth prime candidates to restore for posterity’s sake.

Vintage Stained Glass Adds Resale Value

Another value that stained glass has is that it will add value to your home when you go to sell. In fact, stained glass windows are known to appraise for 10x to 20x more than new ones. So keeping these windows intact and in good repair, rather than replacing them, is a very good idea to increase the resale value of your home. Furthermore, homes with stained glass simply sell faster. 

Antique Stained Glass Could Have Monetary Value

Actual monetary value is, of course, another value stained glass brings to the table. If your Fort Worth home’s windows are very old (over 100 years) they are antiques, in which case they may be worth restoring rather than replacing. Likewise, some stained glass windows in the Fort Worth area may have been made by famous artisans or studios. In cases like these, restoring them is essential. The only way to find out if these windows have value is by having an assessment by a professional. They will be able to identify artist signatures, materials and give you an estimated value. However, even if there is no significant monetary value, the aforementioned values are often reasons to have your home stained glass restored in lieu of replaced.

For more information on stained glass restoration here in Fort Worth or to schedule an assessment, contact us at Scottish Stained Glass today!

Benefits of Preserving Your Historical Home’s Character by Repairing Stained Glass in Fort Worth

Some of the historic homes found here in Fort Worth have the most incredible, original stained glass windows. These antique stained glass windows are so unique, adding to that classic charm that’s almost impossible to truly replicate. When it comes to preserving the antique stained glass windows in your home, it is important to conduct timely repairs. Repairing your stained glass can help you save time, money, and resources down the line. While restoration is inevitable, repairs can make such a difference in longevity and condition.

Residential Stained Glass Repair Benefits for Your Fort Worth Home

Small damages and concerns left unaddressed can quickly turn into large, expensive problems. Proactive and preventative care is always less expensive. Prioritizing timely repairs can nip problems from the start before they escalate. Whether you have a small scratch or your stained glass suffered from vandalism or a recent storm, in-home repairs are available. Repairing your stained glass can ensure longer periods of time before restoration is needed. Timely repairs combined with proper maintenance and care can make all the difference. Letting small damages go can quickly require a full restoration, which is substantially more expensive than repairs. Don’t let the situation get out of hand before you’re unable to afford the proper repairs and restoration.

Work with Fort Worth’s Leading Residential Stained Glass Repair Experts

Fort Worth Stained Glass is proud to be the leading residential stained glass repair experts serving the Texas area. Work with our stained glass artisans for all the best repair solutions. Most repairs can be completed in your home. If your stained glass is significantly damaged or deteriorated, a full restoration will be required. Restoration usually requires removing your stained glass window and replacing it with a temporary one.

For more information regarding residential stained glass repair, please contact us!