The Old Steeple Restoration

Project: The Old Steeple Restoration
Date: 2017

In 2017, the Ferndale Old Steeple contacted us to restore their stained glass window. After several on-site visits to inspect and determine the structural damage of each stained glass window, it was found that there was extensive buckling due to deteriorated lead came, cracked or missing glass, and painted pieces broken beyond repair or missing altogether.

It was recommended that a complete re-leading and restoration of stained glass windows was required. This meant that all of the stained glass panels would be disassembled and reassembled with new 7/32″ or 1/4″ lead and 5/8″ zinc borders, broken glass would be replaced, and specific and targeted painted pieces would be replaced as well.

After removing the windows and transporting them to the studio, we disassembled all stained glass windows and reconstructed them using new zinc and lead of same size and style. We then matched the painted glass, cut and painted all necessary pieces for exact duplication and matched broken glass for repair or replacement.

Once that was done, we restored, reinforced, and repainted all redwood frames where needed, and then reinstalled the windows and covered the new windows with protective Plexiglas.

The Arcata Lutheran Church from the outside