Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Leaded Light?
A. Leadlights, leaded windows or leaded lights are decorative sections of glass joined together and supported using lead. The traditional technique has been used to create beautiful windows and decorative pieces of glass since for over a thousand years. Leaded lights are most commonly used as windows but can include such items as window hangers and lamps etc. Here at Design Glass we have been making and repairing all types of leaded lights since 1989 and are proud to be one of the last few remaining leaded light specialists which still use traditional techniques to this day.
Q. What is Stained Glass?
A. Stained glass is actually different from leaded lights as it is artwork hand painted and fired onto pieces of glass. Most commonly seen in churches for depictions of scenes in the bible it can also be seen within small panels in homes (see pictures below).
We have our very own stained glass artists who carry out a wide range of paintings and artwork. This is a fab way of making your leaded light personalised or more intricate/fancy. We do a lot of repair for stained glass when a small section might have broken and we can paint and match the existing so you would never know.
Q. Can you restore leaded lights from any condition?
A. Yes we restore leaded lights in all sorts of conditions. This includes; cleaning all the original glass, replacing any broken glass with the closest matches that we have available in our vast glass stocks, partial re-leads, full break down and re-lead, refurbishing glazing bars - we basically do anything to bring the leaded light back to its former glory.
Q. Can you put a leaded light into a double glazed unit?
A. Definitely. We call this encapsulation and it is getting more and more popular as we are all trying to be greener. We can either restore your existing leaded light or manufacture you a brand new one and place it inside a thermal efficient double glazed unit. The light is actually protected between two pieces of toughened glass – quite a lot of people love this for the fact that a unit is so much easier to clean than a leaded light with lots of lead canes.
Q. How do I find out if you can restore my leaded light, stained glass or metal window casements?
A. Simply send us a photo of the piece along with rough sizes and a brief description of the overall job. Alternatively, you can fill in our enquiry form below or if you have any queries, then feel free to ring us on 01484 715905 and we will be more than happy to discuss your requirements.
Q. Will you fit my leaded light or steel windows?
A. We can measure/template, manufacture and fit – we cover every aspect of leaded lights here at Design Glass. We also offer a supply only service where you can drop off and collect or if you would prefer us to deliver just ask! It is different for each and every job and just let us know how you would prefer us to carry out your project!
Q. Can you make my own design as a leaded light?
A. Yes, our craftsmen are always wanting to try new designs. We have completed thousands over the years and we always say ‘any design is possible. Pop your design and rough sizes in an email and we will get back to you with confirmation. If you’re not sure what you want we have a huge portfolio and can send you some ideas, we pride ourselves on working with our customers to create a design that they love!
Q. Can you fix my leaded light in situ?
A. Possibly – if you have the odd piece of broken glass we can carry out ‘stop ins’ this is where an operative would come to site and carry out a repair (closest match we have available) with the leaded light still fitted. If there are lead repairs needed we always prefer to take the light out and bring it back to our workshop as you cannot solder vertically. We would then come back and re-fit your window.
Q. Can you match my glass?
A. We can normally match glass as we have stocks of new, salvaged and antique glass here at our workshop. Some glass is not manufactured any more so some are hard/sometimes impossible to get hold of but we try our best to hold a wide range of glass stock and also have a wide range of close matches to the impossible to get hold of the glass.
Q. How long does delivery take?
A. It all depends on your design and project. Some small designs can be completed in a couple of days. Our larger projects can last for months. Everything we do is by hand and bespoke but we will be sure to keep you updated throughout the whole process.
Q. Can we visit the showroom and workshop?
A. Of course. We encourage all our customers and anyone who’s interested in the leaded light industry to come and visit the workshop. Apart from seeing how we hand-make our leaded lights and stained glass, you will be able to see our valued glass collection. We have a genuine William Morris window along with other pieces of stained glass and leaded light history.
Q. How do I get an estimate for my project?
A. Simply send an email to info@designglass.co.uk with pictures and rough sizes. Include as much information as possible and we will get back to you as soon as possible.