Munich-style Stained Glass - Restoration Work

Restoration Work

Restoration and reconstruction of historic stained glass and mosaics was always an important field of work in the Mayer studios. Mayer restored and preserved major projects of medieval stained glass and Roman mosaics as well as works of later periods. In very intense and close collaboration with the prominent preservation agencies in Germany as well as with the “Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi” (similar to the Census of American stained glass) the methods of the restoration work have been defined and researched. While in the United States and in other countries restoration is often simplified to such works as removing the original stained glass panels, dismantling and cleaning and then complete re-leading, the restoration usually is approached more carefully and comprehensively in Europe. The original frames and especially stone mullions and stone traceries should be retained in all their beauty, wherever possible. Re-leading as such of the old windows is by no means a general recommendation. Often the recommendations in Europe are: Outer protective glazing – usually set into the rebates of the original stained glass panels - preparation of the frames for “isothermal glazing”; very careful dry cleaning; dismantling of the net of lead canes only where necessary; re-soldering and partial re-leading rather than general re-leading. In Europe it has become a principle to retain as much of the original historic glass and it’s frames as possible. Therefore, broken glass pieces are not necessarily being replaced by new ones. Edge-gluing technology is often used. The highest standards of perfectly masterful painting work, where replacements are necessary, are implemented. With regards to US restoration projects – especially of historic Mayer or Zettler windows - the Mayer studio collaborates with experienced local glaziers and discusses the advantages of European versus American restoration methods.