Restoration of Antique Stained Glass Window Panels in a Historic Church

We are seeking an experienced glass artisan or restoration studio to repair and restore a set of custom stained glass window panels installed in a historic church building constructed in the early twentieth century. Several panels have suffered from decades of weather exposure, lead came fatigue, cracked pieces of colored glass, and sagging bowed sections that no longer sit flush in their original wooden frames.

The project involves careful removal of the affected panels, documentation of the existing pattern and color layout, sourcing of matching hand-blown or antique-style colored glass to replace any pieces that are beyond saving, releading with new H-profile lead came where the existing structure has become brittle, and resoldering all joints. Where original glass can be salvaged, it must be cleaned using methods appropriate for fragile historic material rather than harsh chemical solvents.

The restored panels need to be reinforced with copper ties and steel bracing bars matching the original support pattern so they can withstand wind load once reinstalled. We also need protective exterior glazing considered, to shield the restored artwork from future weather damage without altering its appearance from inside the building.

The successful contractor should have documented experience with ecclesiastical or historic preservation glasswork, be able to provide references from similar completed projects, and understand the standards typically expected for buildings with heritage or landmark status. Please include in your proposal your process for color matching, your approach to structural reinforcement, expected timeline broken into removal, workshop repair, and reinstallation phases, and how you would handle any unexpected damage discovered once the panels are removed from their frames.