Walking in Circles

Leadlight windows allowed light into homes without the spiritual opulence of stained glass. Homes and businesses required light without the inconvenience of a open hole in the wall. Windows were standard architectural necessities.

Standard design of the 15th through 17th centuries windows was diamond shaped. The classic cut was made at the glazier's shop. The glass was set into smaller frames for installation or for larger widows, the glass was installed on the premises.

By the 17th - 18th century, window installation had developed the sash window system which allowed for larger panes of glass to allow more light into the room. Sash windows became the standard by the end of the 18th century.

Rolled glass was easily identifiable by the waves it left in the window panes. The best panes had the fewest waves. Pane windows were a sign of success especially in the Wild West of the late 19th century.

20th Century machined glass panes took over the market. The smooth glass could be thinner with fewer flaws. Everyone wanted clear pane glass. As the process evolved huge panes of safety glass were available for a glass wall effect.

Glass makers today are on both ends of the spectrum. Factory production of dual and triple glazed windows with safety features and ecologically friendly temperature control, internal blinds and solar power fill new orders for contemporary architecture. Gass artists hand-craft and cut glass to fill leaded lights. They install the rolled and stained glass individually to create a classic window fulfilling the requirements of a traditional trade.