Why Is Church Stained Glass Important to Restore?

By Martin Faith Religious & Church Stained Glass, Stained Glass Repair And Restoration

Unfortunately, many U.S. churches are now nearing an age where their stained glass windows are badly in need of restoration. However, the process to restore church stained glass does require a significant investment, which is why many churches shy away from it. The process takes time and financial resources. Churches put off the repairs, and put them off again, and before long, it’s too late to fix them. Then, the priceless art is lost forever.

But is it worth it to restore church stained glass? Many Houston churches want to know. When making this kind of decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

We say yes. Church stained glass is important for cultural and historic reasons. Not only is it one of the world’s most beautiful art forms, but also one of the most meaningful. Here’s why.

The Historic Significance of Church Stained Glass

Many people admire stained glass windows for their beauty. But few understand their historic and cultural significance. Today, historians are trying to spread awareness of the value of stained glass and the arguments behind its preservation.

Education & Research

Stained glass windows tell us a lot about how people lived during a certain time period. Historians can examine the glass, detect what techniques and materials were used, and then make inferences about what was going on in the world during the time that the windows were created.

Aesthetic Value

Historic stained glass is quickly becoming a rarity. It’s getting more and more difficult to find works that were produced prior to the Medieval period. During Medieval times, stained glass started taking on a new form. Artists began using more and more acrylic paint. While this made the windows very intricate and detailed, it also prevented light from shining through. For this reason, older windows are considered more beautiful and valuable.