At Ageless we often receive many questions regarding lead light repairs. So here is a blog post addressing a few of our most often asked questions.

How extensive does my repair need to be? 

Depending on the condition of the lead in your panel, we may only need to replace the broken glass. However if your lead has become brittle and no longer supports the panel you will require a re-lead. We will pull apart your panel, clean and salvage the glass and replace the lead. In some cases we may even add extra reinforcing to your design to ensure the longevity of your panel.

Why do we sometimes recommend building a new panel and not salvage existing glass?

In some cases clients have existing panels which are broken, but have cement putty. Cement putty, as its name describes, a very hard putty used which for all intensive purposes makes a panel strong. However unlike traditional linseed putty, when used to seal windows cement putty makes a panel very difficult to repair as glass is often broken when trying to disassemble and repair a window. If your job is assessed and has cement putty we will often suggest a replica of your panel be made or your may choose a new design. At Ageless we only used traditional putty to ensure windows for future generations are easier to repair if needed.

What involved in a repair?

If your panel is assessed and you simply have a break, yet your lead is in good condition we will create an entry point in your leadlight and replace the broken glass. This involves cutting lead in strategic places, replacing broken glass, soldering, putting and polishing your panel.

What is involved in a restoration? 

A restoration is much more extensive than a repair. Restoration is required when the lead has become brittle and their are possibly many broken pieces. Panels to be restored first require as to take in impression and draw the existing pattern as a template for your new panel. Salvaged glass is then soaked to be cleaned and broken pieces are cut in new glass. In some circumstances a panel may be so old that glass in no longer in production, if we have matching antique glass we will provide this to match otherwise with consultation with the client we will endeavour to match or make some variance so the restored panel is well balanced. When the existing glass is cleaned the panel is assembled, soldered, puttied and polished.

What happens to my door or window whilst my panel is repaired?  

Our prefered glazier will come and take your panel and cover the window or door with board.

This diamond panel had oxidisation and brittle lead, is is one of our recent restorations. As a result it is now much stronger and will be back in circulation for many more years to come.

This elegant design adds a subtile light to this entry way. A classic example of simple colours and textures in some of our early Victorian homes. Ageless creating a door panel here to match in with the existing designs. Much thanks to our client for the photos.

It was a delight and a joy when we received the commission of this charming Kookaburra. Unlike many pieces this door panel now at home with its new family was chosen and agreed upon by all family members. It was great to see kids getting involved in the creative process and giving input into the design of their new window. We look forward to seeing a picture of it installed and hope it is much loved for many years.

Two Art Deco panels restored and returned home. What a delight to see pictures form a our client happy to have this bay window set back and restored to its former glory. Throughout Melbourne there as so many timeless pieces like these that have many years of beauty left in them.

Panels before restoration.

This simple yet classic diamond panel was taken apart, re-leaded and restored to it former glory. I great example of simple leadlight design which defiantly sparkles and brings a beauty to any home.

This project was restored as a twin pair and took many weeks of thoughtful design to incorporate the essence of the original panels.  Often when we restore a project much heart, love and sentiment is attached to the work, so being sensitive to this we have achieved and maintained the heart and beauty of the piece, whilst creating structural changes to ensure the strength of these panels endure.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

Although many people may not look at a stained glass window and immediately think art, this glasswork is a art form. Over the years this creative practise has been somewhat of a therapy to us and to our students. So thank you to all our students who have been in our studio over the past 30 years.

It is hard to believe that 2018, marks Micheal’s 30th Year Teaching, thats a lot of therapy Mick,  and all sighs point to another 30 years, as students continue to come and share his passion and learn an age old craft. As well as Leadlight, our studio offers copper foil, fusing and glass mosaic classes. This blog features some of our students at work and some of their beautiful projects completed.

Micheal seen below in his favourite room (the putty room) lol, has a passion and a first love of Leadlight projects. Throughout the years he has helped many students complete wonderful projects for their homes. In recent years Enes has rejoined the team and now runs a mosaic and copper foil class on Wednesday nights.

Happy Anniversary Ageless, we looking forward to seeing many more creative projects and enjoying the company of our students.

For more information see our classes page, or to see more of our students work see Facebook or Instagram.

Ellen, Copper Foil Project

Denise, Copper Foil Project

Leadlight Putty Room

Mick’s Favorite Room

Kerstin, Leadlight Project

Kelly, Mosaic Table Top

When it comes to restorations we has see it all at Ageless. From rebuilds, to re-leads we see all types of panel in varied conditions. Six matching art deco windows arrived at our studio and it took no time for Mick to work his magic, repairing and polishing these panels to their former glory. This simple and elegant design with beautiful hints of texture now sporting a new lease of life.

Restoring old pieces is always a joy, especially when we see a little gem like this cabinet door panel. Featuring antique hammered glass this project is not only filled with sentimental charm for it owner, but a rare beauty which deserved the care of restoration. Often in old furniture we find these jewels and is was defiantly a pleasure to bring it back to life.

It was a delight to work with clients on this Artdeco piece. This simple yet elegant design adds a hint of colour and brightens up this entry way as the natural light reflects the textures of the glass.