Report No. 3, 7-28-17July 28, 2017
Restoration of Stained Glass Windows
First Churches
129 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Construction Report No. 3, Status of Restoration:
Visit to Stained Glass Resources, Inc. studio July 28, 2017
Present:
Chuck Whitham, Project Mgr.
Gregory Wilson, First Churches Stained Gl. Wdw. Restoration Committee
Fred Shea, S.G.R., Owner.
Scott Stratton, S.G.R, Admin.
Work being done:
Walk thru of studio:
Disassembly and Cleaning Phase: Complete
Conservation Phase: One craftsman presently on project
Tiffany window: Two main window panels in conservation. Top (arched panel) has many cracked glass pieces which are being glued and restored. Additional panels for three to four additional
glass layers are in trays for future queuing
Rose Window: Two lancet window ventilators in conservation and third waiting. Additional lancet panels waiting for conservation.
Assembly Phase: One craftsman presently on project
Tiffany Window: Three main panels being assembled with lead caming and copper foil.
Rose Window: Not currently started
The metal center ring for the Rose Window still awaits re-fabrication. Fred Shea mentioned that the original installation of the Rose Window was done incorrectly. The installers used
mortar around the stone frame perimeter which did not allow for expansion and contraction. The correct way would have been to use cow hair and wood wedges and glazing putty. His re-installation
of the restored window will use current technology of foam backer rod and silicone glazing compound.
At the conclusion of this site visit Invoice #3 for 10% of the contracted price was received from Stained Glass Resources, Inc. (July 28, 2017) and achieves the progress requirements
to date.
Stained Glass Resources, Inc. is currently anticipating scheduling of the Rose Window installation for September 2017. The Tiffany Window is expected to be complete and installed in
October 2017.
Submitted by:
Challenger J. Whitham, R.A.
Project Manager
Tiffany Window panel in assembly phase with new lead and copper work
Tiffany Window panel in assembly phase with new lead and copper work
Rose Window center ring before being re-fabricated
Top (arched) panel of Tiffany Window in conservation phase
Rose Window panel in conservation phase
Tiffany Window panel queued for conservation phase
Photography by Gregory Wilson