Read about my experience buying and selling leaded stained glass windows and spares parts. Gain from my, and my customers’, knowledge and experience with interior and exterior design and high quality decoration. These posts give you a peek into the workings of my business.
Marketing a stained glass business – Search Engine Optimisation
I have asked my wife, Alice, to write another guest post . This post discusses: Being the wife of a small business owner Richard regularly describes himself as a one-man business – often when having a bit of a moan about having too much to do, and really wanting to focus on using the knowledge…
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My 2023 USA visit and kryptonite
Regular visitors to my website may have noticed that for part of May I was unable to ship any orders. That’s because I was in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I had a brilliant time meeting existing customers and showing samples topotential customers. Two Brits in America Not only does the British accent tend to open…
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A librarian on a glass trip (guest post)
The wife of a stained glass buyer and seller describes their trip round the UK in a van, buying and selling stained glass – a busman’s holiday.
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Antique glass surprises
I recently put this bullion pane on top of my bookshelf so that it was out of the way as they don’t stack easily! I thought it would look good as an ornament due to the distinctive “bulge”. But in the evening I noticed the reflection of the glass ripples on the wall! One of…
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Shipment to Canada
Here’s a crate that safely arrived this week in Edmonton, AB (Canada). Sometimes when I’ve finished packaging an order for shipment I think to myself, this packaging is as much a work of art as the stained glass! But here’s some of the treasure Natasha received: Natasha says “The windows have arrived and are in…
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A seasonal delivery
Here’s what Kathy did with a pair she received from me yesterday. I sent them to her home in Philadelphia. These were only despatched with DHL on 28th November* Kathy says “Wow!! I can’t believe they are here already! This set fits even more perfectly in our space than I had pictured. Wish I had…
Keep readingMy latest paint job
I admit maintaining traditional windows and other wooden features on even a modest 1920s three-bed semi is hard work. Ideally a new layer of paint should be applied every 5 – 10 years. But I think it’s worth it. Each time I’ve done this some passer-by feels it necessary to make the useful suggestion that…
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My mobile workshop
I cherish my Led-mobile. When on tour collecting treasure, I sometimes work from my vehicle measuring and cleaning the stock. This saves me time so I don’t have to process when I return to headquarters. My 25 year old Toyota Estima import is just as reliable today as it was when I bought it in…
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Work of art
Sometimes when I’ve finished packaging an order for shipment I think to myself, this packaging is as much a work of art as the stained glass! This one I packaged for shipping to Ireland. I did have four of these multicoloured windows, there are two remaining. To view these please click here. For more examples…
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Flemish delight
Once a year I try to find time to do something related to the windows in my own house. This year I rejuvenated my front door and side window. It was not just new paint. Look closely at the glass in the “before” photo. Three of the panes in the door and one in the…
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Orientation
This is what Jody did with a pair of sunbursts I sent to her in Lake Bruin, Louisiana. What I like about her photo is the “round” theme. Jody has changed the orientation from their original horizontal in situ… It never ceases to amaze me what ideas customers will come up with and is one…
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More than just coffee
Mimi recently bought some leaded lights from me, and sent me photos of their new location. This is my favourite customer photo of those I’ve received so far this year. While I like all the photos people send me demonstrating how they use my glass in their homes (click here for the gallery), I appreciate…
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My visits to the USA
In the first week of December 2021 I went to Los Angeles. For the last two years there has never seemed like a good time so I thought what the hell! For the last 6 years I have felt a stronger connection to the USA as about half of my sales are to that country.…
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Another big shipment to the USA.
Last month I sent another large consignment to a trade dealer in the USA. Here’s what was in the above crates: These were chosen from my trade category but you can also select individually listed items and ask me for a combined crate shipping price. For a detailed commentary of how I go about packaging…
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HAMMERED!
I have never acquired so many large cuts of hammered from one set before! While hammered glass was commonly used, finding it in a “decent cut size” is another matter. It’s finds like this which remind me why I get a buzz out of this trade. Most people would look at old windows like these…
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Seasonal staff
It’s not easy finding the right staff. People who can focus on the job in hand. And who can be trusted to ensure the customer receives exactly what they ordered.
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Another big shipment to the USA
One of my regular trade customers from the USA recently confirmed safe delivery of another big shipment. It was for 57 framed leaded lights and 24 frameless. I will always give a discount if someone is buying in this sort of quantity. On this occasion the treasure was sent in three crates. Here I will…
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Steptoe – the reality of architectural salvage dealing in modern London
Many people assume that I have an abundance of space. That is understandable given the quantity of stock listed on my website – some even ask if they can visit a “yard” which I don’t have. I thought here I would explain the realities of dealing architectural salvage in one of the world’s most expensive…
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Difficult decisions
Last month I dismantled this leaded light. I know it looked fantastic. You might ask why, especially if you know how passionate I am about retaining old leaded lights. Several of the panes were cracked and the lead structure was wobbly which is not unusual for such large frameless pieces. Sometimes I have to make…
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Multi purpose
Many times I acquire a set of salvaged stained glass windows and think to myself – they look so good as window sill ornaments there’s no way I could sell! This particular set (two of which would have been part of a Victorian pulley sash system) sit snug within the main section of my 1920s…
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My review of Intuit QuickBooks Self-Employed
Today I cancelled my subscription to QuickBooks. There are several big brand accountancy products being aimed at the self-employed and small business. They all seem to have condescending advertisements* claiming to offer a simple solution for saving time. This post shares my experience should you be contemplating QuickBooks but I suspect some of my issues…
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Stained glass and snow.
I could not resist. Today it snowed in England. It does not do so every year! Glass featured in this photo from left to right: A1206a, A1204d and A1085c.
Keep readingThe ultimate window sill ornament.
The great thing about dealing in old stained glass windows is that I can change the view from my lounge window anytime I like. That said, these things tend to hold value so if you get bored with one just sell it on! I have several of this design, with worldwide shipping or collection welcome.…
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Message to my customers in the European Union.
I can still ship to the EU! At the moment when you add an item to my checkout you will find that there is no shipping option for you. This is temporary. If there is an item you are interested in please ask me for a shipping price. This photo is of shipments despatched today! As…
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True Tales From Old Houses
I was recently interviewed by an American podcast, True Tales from Old Houses, where I tell the story of how I got into this business of dealing in old window glass. I also explain the difference between British and American stained glass. If you have been thinking of buying from me you might be interested…
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Anything is possible.
I have a desire to “flag” this design this weekend! It has sold but I can supply it made new to your required size using my bespoke service. This was made in size of 12″ x 15 3/4″ (303mm x 401mm). The following photos demonstrate the craft involved in making such a piece. Stage 1…
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Labor Day inspiration
Today is Labor Day in the United States. The USA is my biggest market group after the UK so I hope everyone across the pond who is able to have the time off is enjoying the day. Thanks to Rosanne from Medford, MA who spent time today sending me this photo from her porch. The…
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New website (almost!)
Regular visitors to my website may notice some changes. For the past month I have been relisting all of my stock onto a new eCommerce platform (as well as adding lots of newly acquired stock which had been backlogged!) The aim as always is to make it easier to find what you want within my…
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Small flemish big surprise!
This week I unwrapped this pair: I had received as part of a job lot. When I purchased I thought the background (non coloured) glass was plain having seen poor quality photos from the seller. I thought at most I would be able to extract some nice coloured centre parts. I was delighted to find…
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Celebrating 10 years!
In 2010 something amazing came into my life. Something so beautiful and precious. The above photo shows the first set of leaded light window sashes I ever acquired. One day I was at the local dump when I saw some fool throwing them away. I rescued as many as I could out of sentimentality not…
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BUSINESS AS USUAL
Having always traded as an internet order business there is little difference to how I am operating in the current circumstances. To demonstrate this thought I would show everything I have packaged and despatched this week. Unless stated otherwise all packages were sent to the USA, using FedEx. R1058b to Cookeville, TN S1012e classic Victorian…
Keep readingPayPal unhelpful seller refund policy in context of the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Relatively recently PayPal implemented a policy change. It will continue not to charge sellers a fee when they refund a customer (how generous). But it will not refund the original transaction fees to the seller. I might agree that is PayPal’s prerogative but consider that in the context of the coronavirus hundreds of thousands (millions?)…
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Still shipping!
While the parcel courier companies are still collecting I am still shipping! Here’s one I packaged today. It is going to Washington State. And continuing the shipping theme. Here’s a sturdy ship! I already have a wooden box made for it so ready to set sail! R849b – click here for more info including payment…
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My new Instagram account!
Please would you follow me on Instagram and share at least one of my posts? https://www.instagram.com/cannglass/ #cannglass This blog post will continue to show the “latest view from window” and other articles with direct links to stock. The trouble with Instagram is it does not allow links within its posts so not great for direct…
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Latest view from my window!
For sizes and prices please click on below links. WINDOW SILL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R1033b, R1014, R1016k, R1033a, R1016f. ON THE TABLE: R1036a, R1032f.
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The R985 set.
There was nothing wrong with these leaded lights from the side of a house in Northwood Hills, Middlesex. For whatever reason the homeowner decided it necessary to remove the lead edging became disjointed in the process. I have had someone relead the edging of each:
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Latest view from my window!
For sizes and prices please click on below links. WINDOW SILL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R1016d (pair), R1013, R1009a, R1010b ON THE TABLE: S1012a, R1015a, R1016e
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Tis the season for suncatchers.
I have some leaded suncatchers for sale which make ideal gifts. The idea is to hang by string or a chain behind a window but some people use as stand alone ornaments in picture frames or as wall art. Prices start from £24 each including UK delivery but cost effective to buy several. For more…
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Typical Cann family road trip.
We never go a long way without arranging to deliver or collect something on route! Check out the R998 doors we recently collected. Keep an eye on my UK delivery page to see if we are coming near you.
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Latest view from my window!
Here’s a set I rescued last month from a big house in Sandbach, Cheshire. Prices start from £19 each. For more information please click here.
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The 1000th!!!
Today I am celebrating my 1000th listing! R1000. For more info please click here. But since I started dealing nearly ten years ago I have sold a lot more than 1000. Typically my salvaged items come in subsets. For instance a typical British 1920s three bed semi-detached house had two big bay windows at the…
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The Ulrike Suncatcher
Here is a small leaded light I had made for Ulrike and sent to her in Germany: The design was entirely Ulrike’s idea. I could have another made or the following photos I hope demonstrate how easy it is to express what you want. Ulrike was inspired by this Edwardian cut glass glory star which…
Keep readingLatest view from my window!
For sizes and prices please click on below links. WINDOW SILL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R766c, R959, R957b, R975a, S969 ON THE TABLE: R970a, R917b, R961d
Keep readingThe Audi TT door test
Should you be concerned about collecting a standard sized 1920s front door in your Audi TT, Hayley recently proved it possible. It fitted with suprising ease. To view all my front doors please go to: https://leadedstainedglass.com/doors/external/
Keep readingLatest view from my window!
Rescued from a house in Torquay, Devon, dated 1929. The set has pink and blue jewels and all have embossed roundels and a unique embossed centre piece. Click here for more information.
Keep readingLatest view from my window!
For sizes and prices please click on below links. WINDOW SILL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R944a, R933a, R761e, MG944d, MG944a ON THE TABLE: MG944c, R944d, R079
Keep readingLatest view from my window!
For sizes and prices please click on below links. WINDOW SILL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R936b, R932c, R926b, R939a, R935d, R920b ON THE TABLE: R826g
Keep readingLatest view from my window!
For sizes and prices please click on below links. WINDOW SEAL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R918b, R917a, R820a, R913, R830 ON THE TABLE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R569, R917b, R636
Keep readingLatest view from my window – the R904 set.
I got these last month in Bolton. Update to blog – as of 28th March 2019 all have sold.
Keep readingLatest view from my window
For sizes and prices click on below links. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R895, R871, R525c, R848c, R891b, ON THE TABLE: R842b, R886b
Keep readingPoingnant
Taken from my window I think this photo is poingant because the mutilated house in the background is the one which this little top light was ripped from. If you look carefully you can see a house with scaffolding. Its Apex is being “upgraded” with plastic fascias, there’s the obligatory loft extension and though you…
Keep readingCustomer idea of the year 2018!
Every year I announce the best customer idea. This year’s winner is Mike from Norfolk. Not because he has a “parlour house” dated to 1480 (last year’s winner was from a maisonette in North London) but due to his idea of mixing old with new. Mike had fallen in love with these two Vicotorian/Edwardian panels…
Keep readingGift ideas
I think the following pieces from my contemporary collection would make ideal gifts!
Keep readingLatest view from my window!
For sizes and prices please click on below links. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R860d, R838, R865b, R872a, R846 ON TABLE: R845, R781a
Keep readingLatest view from my window
For sizes and prices click on below links. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R822, R812, R767j (on table), B732, R814
Keep readingLevers/handles
Every two years I sort levers I have removed from sash window frames. Sub sets from the below mess have now been listed on my Ebay account. Please click here to view. I don’t make much money out of these (in fact I don’t make much money selling the glass either!) but I can’t stand…
Keep readingLatest view from my window
For sizes and prices click on below links. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: R760b, R784, B786a, R787c (on table), R624b, R789
Keep readingLatest view from my window …
All are for sale. From left to right: R753a, R761a, R751e, R762, R746a, R751f
Keep readingContinuing the snow theme…
… latest view from my window. Stained glass from left to right: R486, R737, R680, R616, FC002
Keep readingTennessee snow
Here’s a photo taken today by one of my regular customers from Tennessee. Zoom in: can you see my Victorian panels hanging?
Keep readingTREAT
After 2 years of helping people to source windows I am treating myself. These were delivered yesterday to replace my landing and bathroom windows. Hardwood again. Three years ago I had the upstairs front windows changed in the same way. I have waited 7 years for this. The original landing toplight panels are having their…
Keep readingFloral and geometric pieces
As August is a quiet time I have been dismantling some broken old panels extracting the centre pieces for anything of value. This makes shipping a lot cheaper for those who only want broken panels for the parts. Here is an example: As you can see I have removed the heart from the panel (top…
Keep readingItem 500!
I was hoping my 500th acquisition would be something special and I am not disappointed. It is my 500th purchase at least since records began!
Keep readingfleur-de-lis
I already have a ‘new homes’ page which shows off the creative ideas of customers who have purchased my stock but this one deserves a special mention on my blog. This is because the panel used by Colin from Hitchin is, in my opinion, one of the most appropriately selected for its new setting: “I thought you…
Keep readingSummer room paradise
Last May I delivered this old window to Terry and Suzy at their home in Nottingham. Terry says “it really sets off Susie’s ‘Folly’ summer room and adds a touch of class”. I agree.
Keep readingLatest restoration projects
This month I have a number of doors to restore. Here is Pete removing the panels of door set R233. They typically have cracked pieces in the corners from being slammed. When replaced the main door panel will have a supporting rod running across the centre: These plain panel doors will be replaced with something breathtaking:…
Keep readingRichmond market pitch
Last month I went to great effort to sell at a market. It was a good opportunity to experiment with displaying treasure in a larger space. I hope you enjoy the photos.
Keep readingSunny days…
… Pete (one my glaziers) making the most of today’s sun soldering ties to a panel so it can be securely fitted to a bespoke oak frame.
Keep readingRoadshow itinerary!
Not long to go, next week (29 – 31 March) I am travelling London to Glasgow delivering to customers and buying treasure! So far the plan is London to Gainsborough, Leeds, Glasgow and back via Manchester but that order will no doubt change as new opportunities arise. This is why I love dealing in lead…
Keep readingBig restoration project finally finished!
Yesterday I was able to clean this door set after a long period of restoration! For the full story, stunning pictures and delivery details please visit my porch / conservatory page.
Keep readingA tight fit but butterflies!
In my November post I showed a forest door set I was collecting. Unfortunately after driving to Castleford I found the hire van was too short for the frame. Right insert is what was left behind. Another lesson learnt! However at the same house I found the below doors. The owner has since agreed to remove ready for…
Keep readingHelp – valuation and market advice needed
I have this unusual mostly hand-painted piece of what I understand is a ‘laughing cavalier’. I have little idea of its worth and where would be the best place to market. Any advice would be gratefully received. Note there is writing on the back I have had some of the lead work renewed. There is one…
Keep readingUpcoming treasure!
Here is a sneak preview of some glass I am collecting next month from Castleford. It will be the biggest, most extravagant, set I have ever acquired. It has at least four breaks but will be rushed to the emergency room (my kitchen island) where the talented Dr Mandy will operate.Hopefully it will be ready for sale…
Keep readingOutcome of October reclamation trip
Travelled 860 miles. The highlight was this door. Thanks to Paul Otter for emptying the contents of my van and then reloading as it should be done!
Keep readingTreasure hunting for windows – October 2015 travels
I thought I’d use my first blog post to give an idea of the lengths I go to when buying and selling beautiful reclaimed leaded stained glass, and offer a sneak preview of new stock.
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