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 2015. It’s true that “they don’t make ’em like they used to”. The seat configurations of this MPV allows me to use it as a workbench, fill the whole car with windows or accommodate children.
Incidentally the window featured in the above photo is for sale as a pair:
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 side window were modern versions of flemish but I was able to have those replaced with original large flemish – it’s handy when you have your own supply! To me this was the most satisfying part of the project. Some people might refer to this glass as “deep flemish” and it can be identified by a characteristic “two finger” partial imprint.
Two fingers
As always I was meticulous with my paintwork method but preparation for glazing is important as well. I got a professional glazier to replace the glass. He spent at least an hour properly hacking/grinding out the old putty. This enables an easier fit. You might be surprised to know I’ve rarely done any of my own glazing. I like everything to be done properly which means if I start learning the associated techniques of a craft I start obsessing and spend far too long on the job – so I have stayed well clear of glazing!
BeforeAfter
I very much appreciate interesting textured glass regardless of whether it is stained – partly because I know how difficult it is to source the original in a decent cut size!
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…
Rescued from a house in Epsom, Surrey.
It never ceases to amaze me what ideas customers will come up with and is one of the reasons why I trade in this “junk”. These sunrays were very popular. You might want to look in my art deco category for more sunrays.
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 these as they show it being reused in a public space. I particularly like this one as it captures movement in more ways than one.
Cafe Leila 1724 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
Mimi bought all of these, frameless, from my 201mm – 499mm length (8 inch – 19 inch) category and her husband made the frames. The sleek white outlines sure do stand-out to attract passing trade. This is a new business idea which the couple are exploring. You can buy these as well as coffee at Cafe Leila!
I get bored sitting in cafes and restaurants which only have expensive paintings on the walls whether classical or abstract. It frustrates me that more people don’t have the imagination to use architectural salvage as art.
Incidentally I still have two more of the purple background leaded lights from the same set as featured in Mimi’s photos.
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!
I find it very hard not to work – me in my temporary office, Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles.
For the last 6 years I have felt a stronger connection to the USA as about half of my sales are to that country. This trip was mainly to see family but I never travel far without including some business. I met with one of my trade customers. It was somewhat of a surreal experience to physically see my stock for sale in another country. It gives me so much pleasure to know I have rescued something and sent it to the other side of the world where I can be sure there are people who care enough to reuse it.
Me in Pasadena, Los AngeleseMalibu Beach
I am already scheming another trip to the USA for the autumn (fall!) of 2022 which will primarily be to meet customers; in doing so I am interested to visit parts of the USA I have never been to before. Nothing is set in stone but I am thinking of arriving east coast, possibly Philadelphia. I have a customer in New Jersey so I plan to drive there from PA.
Let me know if you’re interested in a USA meeting? Perhaps you have already bought from me but thinking of buying in bulk, commissioning a bespoke piece or have not bought anything. Whatever you are looking for, sometimes its good to meet in person as I appreciate ordering valuable glass from across the Atlantic is not something you consider lightly!
What more could I possibly need? (The stained glass featured here is A1234c.)
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 and assume no value given there’s no stained glass. It’s like a well kept secret.
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 explain how such a shipment is put together. First I have to work out the size of the crate(s) before I can obtain a price from the manufacturer and the cost of carriage from the shipping company.
Whether the customer has selected individual items or a set from my trade category, I will provide a fully itemised packing list. Not only does this assist me and the buyer but it can be used should customs take an interest or in the unlikely event there is an insurance claim. There is a column for “condition” so that there can be no misunderstanding, given that the item listing on my website may be deleted after purchase.
All that involves a fair bit of time before I physically start the packaging process. Once the crates arrive I will pad with 50mm thick polysterene all round.
To ensure a tight fit I wait for the crates to arrive so I can take accurate measurements.
The great thing about buying toplights is that they are roughly the same size, which helps for streamlining the packaging. As they are already framed there is already some protection and so they don’t need padding in addition to the lining of the crate.
Crate 3. Note every frame is coded for ease of identification.
If you are still reading, here comes the really interesting bit! Despite all my planning it usually happens that there will be some empty space. I then offer to sell more to the customer. I will already have discounted for the original selection, I don’t offer a discount on any additional items but do not charge anything extra for the shipping. It will typically be small frameless pieces as these fit into the various nooks and crannies between the framed pieces.
Crate 2. The black box on top contained 15 small suncatchers.
Everything is double-checked. First when it is retrieved from storage and then when put in the crate.
Just in case the external address labels become detached there is another inside.
A discussion of the differences between hand painted stained glass and coloured glass, with my perspective based on my experience buying and selling reclaimed British window glass.
The discovery of a round stained glass window featuring a painted glass owl. Exploring the provenance, asking for help to find out more about the glazier artist, and offering the window for sale.
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.
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… Read more: Marketing a stained glass business – Search Engine Optimisation
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… Read more: My 2023 USA visit and kryptonite
