Hand Painted, Kiln-Fired Glass

Details can be painted onto the inner surface of the glass in a special glass paint which contains finely ground lead or copper filings, ground glass, gum arabic and a medium such as wine or vinegar, then fired to make it permanent. The art of painting details became increasingly elaborate and reached its height in the early 20th century. Once the window is cut and painted, the pieces are assembled by slotting them into H-sectioned lead cames. The joints are then all soldered together and the glass pieces are stopped from rattling and the window made weatherproof by forcing a soft oily cement or mastic between the glass and the cames.