Whitham Report No. 2, 7-6-17July 6, 2017
Restoration of Stained Glass Windows
First Churches
129 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Construction Report No. 2, Status of Restoration:
Visit to Stained Glass Resources, Inc. studio July 6, 2017
Present: Chuck Whitham, Gregory Wilson, Fred Shea
Work being done:
Walk thru of studio:
Tiffany window disassembly complete. There turned out to be four to five layers of glass. All layers have been identified, cleaned and put onto individual trays. It is currently in
the early stages of the conservation phase with the glass pieces being repaired and inserted in the correct position on the cartoon. It was observed that there is a stained glass medallion
above the Parsons family inscription that is quite striking but had not been noticed prior to the restoration due to additional layers of colored glass sandwiched over it and a hundred
years plus of dust and grim. (See additional photos at the end of this report).
The Rose window is currently being disassembled in preparation for cleaning before going into the conservation phase. There is much accumulated dust, grit and grim. This window consists
of just one layer of colored glass. Fred pointed out the center metal ring and indicated that a new unit would be fabricated due to the poor condition of the current one which received
previous gerry rigged repairs.
The Stained Glass Resource, Inc. studio is well organized, efficient and clean. There are separate areas within the studio for disassembly, cleaning, conservation, reassembly, materials
storage and site installation. There are a minimum of two craftsman familiar with Tiffany work devoted to the conservation phase of our project.
At the conclusion of this site visit Invoice #2 for 10% of the contracted price was received from Stained Glass Resources, Inc. and achieves the progress requirements to date.
Fred Shea anticipates completion of the project in late September. The extended time period is due to the unforeseen fifth layer of the Tiffany window glass mentioned above. This seems
to be a reasonable request. Any additional rental cost for the Tiffany window staging beyond the contracted September 1 completion date will be absorbed by SGR.
Submitted by:
Challenger J. Whitham, R.A.
Project Manager
Tiffany Window medallion (located above Parson family inscription)
Tiffany Window Panel in conservation phase
Tiffany Window Panel waiting for move to conservation phase
Rose Window Panels waiting for disassembly and cleaning