Sandyford
Name of Building: Sandyford Henderson Memorial Church
Location: 13 Kelvinhaugh Street, Glasgow, G3 8NU
Listing: Category B
Project: A scheme of 11 sets of windows that total an area of 73 square metres of stained glass.
The glazing scheme includes ornamental and figurative stained glass windows by Ballantine and also three windows from William Wailes. Those windows were in various degrees of deterioration. They also had unsuitable single glazed unventilated glass protection and highly visible, heavy wire guards. This project aimed at applying the appropriate conservation measures for these stained glass windows and also a suitable replacement protection system.
Regarding window sIII, The original was damaged during WW2 and the previous stained glass artist who restored this window seemed to have painted the angel in his or her style instead of following the style of the original artist. The result was detrimental to the overall representation of the window.
Conservation Approach:
Work was done on the west, north and south elevations. Different conservation approaches have been carried out depending on the condition of each window. The main problem encountered for the Ballantine windows was structural weakness caused by general lead deterioration, broken solder joints and cracks in lead. Many ties had become detached from the supporting bars. Numerous glass segments have been bonded and also back painting was necessary to some extent. Upon approval of the architect, it has been decided that various types of plating could be used to determine their impact on the glass and building envelope. They were all successful in their own respect and show different degrees of reflection quality (clear float glass, fired float glass, soft paint float glass, and non-reflective float glass). The wire guards contributed to lessen the overall appearance of the plating and removed its unsightly visual aspect. The William Wailes windows on the other hand, had weak lead matrix and were severely bulging throughout. These windows have been successfully flattened and the original lead retained.
Regarding the restoration of the angel in the cinquefoil of the James Ballantine window, its visual impact was detrimental to the overall appearance of the window. Therefore, discussion amongst the different stakeholders took place. As a result, research was conducted to find out about the original intention of the artist. An article referred to a James Ballantine window within Mount Auburn Cemetery, Massachusetts, America. The top tracery was almost exactly the same design as the angel in Sandyford. This window had recently been restored by Roberto Rosa at Serpentino Stained and Leaded Glass of Needham. It appeared that Sandyford angel was the first one to be designed and inspired the Mount Auburn Cemetery. This design was taken from a relief by an Italian artist.
Mr Rosa from Serpentino Stained and Leaded Glass kindly sent some slides of the windows and also details on how the angel was painted. He had worked on the Mount Auburn angel and had specific knowledge on the techniques and paint colours used. He was willing to share his knowledge to assist in the project. It was also possible to follow the original painted segments of glass within the cusps.
Before
Window sIII, on site, inside view, before conservation
Outside view of the window with unsuited wire gaurds, before intervention
Window sVII, on site, inside view, before conservation
Detailed photograph of damaged glass and lead
Sandyford Henderson outside view, before conservation
Detailed photograph of the angel of window sIII, on light box, transmitted light, before consevation
Detailed photograph of angels from Provost Dunn window, transmitted light, after conservation.
During
Angel in Mount Auburn Cemetery USA, courtesy of Mr. Roberto Rosa
Paint trials and samples for recreation of angel
Trace lines are in place
Panel being leaded up by Ryan
Previous replacement wing on left
Rainbow Glass newly painted wing on right
Drawing for recreation of the angel
Stephen painting the angel and two babies with natural daylight
Angel and babies painted
Stephen squaring off panels
After
Window sIII, on site, inside view, after conservation
Outside view with new wire gaurds
Window sVII, on site, inside view, after conservation
Newly installed angel in window sIII
Sandyford Henderson outside view, after conservation
Comparison between Rainbow Glass paited replacement (left) and previous painted replacement (right)
