AdammsGallery

New Stained Glass Window for Woodlawn Cemetery and Mausoleum, Santa Monica, CA

  

 We have been working at Woodlawn Cemetery and Mausoleum for about 30 years. Until now all the work we have done has been stained glass restoration, repair, or installing exterior protective glazing. The Mausoleum has a separate room with a series of bronze and glass displays that are meant for urns and personal memorabilia. All thew other rooms of the mausoleum have decorative stained glass windows, but this room only had a clear glass window. Unfortunately, the view to the outside was a work area that had sand, co0ncrete, and worktables. It was not a very pretty view. The management thought it would be well served if they co9missioned us to fabricate and install a new stai9ned glass window to liven up the room and block the unsightly view.

               
 

     We discussed what their needs were and made several suggestions as to type of glass and subject matter for the design. They already had a rug, and painting that they wanted to coordinate the window with. Since the majority of the 8' x 12' window was going to be behind the display boxes we proposed a rectilinear design for that part. The design would work with the rectangular shape of the displays, and help keep the cost down to fit within the budget.  We decided to use glass manufactured by The Paul Wissmach Glass Company in Paden City, West Virginia. The green opalescent glass is accented with some deeper greens and a subdued yellow.  For the top portion that would be above the boxes we opted for a design of six white doves flying around three palm trees. The sky is also cut in a rectilinear pattern with deeper blue accents. We painted the detail in the doves as well as the palm trees.

                  

     The window itself is composed of six panels. The bottom has three panels with the two outside panels 20" wide and 8' high and the center 48" wide and 8' high. The top section has two smaller operational windows and a center window that is 48" x 40". The installation went very easily with the storefront metal molding snapping into place, and the vinyl strips for securing and weather proofing the windows.

     The window does exactly what the management intended. It blocks the dismal view, and adds a calming beautiful feeling to the room. The glow put off from the opalescent glass is very comforting. It is always nice to work in the community, and work with the city of Santa Monica. Thanks to the staff at Adamm's Stained Glass Alberto Marquez Stained Glass Glazier, Mary Orrell painter, and Jose Ceja glazier installer, and myself Adamm Gritlefeld.

Roundel Quatrefoil Leaded Glass Windows

                                                                        
                                                                    
                                                                                                                                 

The quatrefoil shape was most popular during the Gothic and renaissance eras. The word quatrefoil means four leaves and is specifically referring to the four-leaf clover. The shape was predominantly used in churches above the Gothic arch. Today we use the quatrefoil shape in Mediterranean, and Spanish architecture.                                                                                                                          

Quite often you will see stained, beveled, and clear leaded glass designs in the quatrefoil shape. We were fortunate to be contracted to fabricate and install two 42" diameter windows using roundel glass. The home was a beautiful home in Malibu, California. The two windows were in a bar, music room, and were in Cantera Stone frames. Inside the frames was a steel set of double casement windows with clear glass. We removed these by cutting the steel and compressing the frame.

We usually use roundels made with Lambert Glass from Germany. However, with the Covid problem Lambert has ceased producing roundels, and they have no immediate plan to continue. We were referred to Monarch Glass Studio in Kansas City. Monarch makes custom roundels that are marvelous. They will make virtually any color, shade or tint you can think  of, and in any size. Tyler at Monarch was a great help.

                                                                                                           

Our customer wanted to use very pale colors to try to match roundel windows he had seen in the Doge's house Venice, Italy. Monarch supplied the colored roundels, which we mixed with clear. We used 7/32" H round lead, and the background glass was clear Wissmach seedy glass. We used two 3/8 steel reinforcing bars on each window. We bent the bars to conform to the lead lines.

                                                                                                                     

The installation was not straight forward. the Cantera stone was set from the inside with four separate pieces and the same on the inside. While the house was not that old the pieces either were not set squarely originally or they had slipped over the years. As a result the opening on the inside was different from the outside. Even after taking exact measurements and making  a template there were corrections we had to make. In addition the two windows themselves had different measurements. With no molding we used Dowsil 795 on the outside and Color Fast Flexible Grout on the interior to match the stucco walls. 

                                                                                                                                     

The final installation was magnificent. The subtle colors filtered in the light and the green plants and trees outside worked very well with the feeling the window and the room. 

Daniel Salazar Art Glass Vases and Paper Weights

                              

Pink Moth Orchid                    Fumed Wisteria w/Butterfly                         Pink Sweet Pea on Dark Green

In June of 1974, Daniel Salazar was hired as a glass grinder by Nouveau Glass, later to become Lundberg Studios. By 1975, he was working with hot glass, along side James and Steven Lundberg, as a helper or pontilman there. It soon became evident that he had a unique flair for design. By 1978, he had begun producing and designing his own paperweights. He was also influential in developing certain techniques in the California-style paperweight lampworking process.  Daniel has earned a fine reputation for his delicate and natural look in floral paperweights, as well as birds, underwater scenes and abstract glass works. These same designs have also been produced in beautiful assembly on perfume bottles, vases and jewelry jars. Much of Daniel's work has taken inspiration from his interest in botany and the collecting Asian art and antiques. Since childhood, a passion for sketching and watercolor has been the source for his unique artistic development. In addition, he has attended art classes at Cabrillo College in color and design and life drawing. His work has been exhibited at the following museums and has become part of their permanent collections. De Young Museum, San Francisco, CA Los Angeles County Museum, Los Angeles, CA Art Museum of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Villa Terrace Museum of Decorative Arts, Milwaukee, WI Bergstrom-Mahler Museum, Neenah, WI The Smithsonian Institute, Washington, DC Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL Muscatine Art Center, Muscatine, IA Jones Museum of Glass & Ceramics, Douglas Hill, ME Museum of American Glass, Wheaton Village, Millville, NJ Scone Palace, Perth, Scotland MSC Center Galleries, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.

Daniel left Lundberg studios around 2008 to explore other opportunities. Rebecca Lundberg still has a number of Daniels pieces stashed away and has made them available to our gallery. Continue to check from time to time for additional work from this master artist.

 

Adamm's Stained Glass & Gallery Santa Monica, CA 90401  310 451 9390

Sher Berman Glass Jewelry Artist

       

Crochet lariat with glass beads  Apatite and silver bead necklace Glass and silver crochet necklace

In a world where so many artists and designers use production pieces fabricated in China it is refreshing to see an American artist who creates 100% on her own. When you hold and look at a Sher Berman crochet bracelet, necklace, or earrings you immediately feel and see quality. Sher's use of color is miraculous!

                      
Lampwork Rasberry Beads           Long Orange Bead    Lampwork Black Glass Bead  Slver and Apatite bead Earrings

She combines colored glass, semi-precious stones, and silver beads in dramatic, tasteful, and pleasing color combinations. Her work is exceptionally comfortable to wear. It is light, smooth on the body, and very easy to put on and take off. Simply put her work is a joy to wear and blast to look at. There is no doubt, you will be the LIFE OF THE PARTY!

In Sher's words:

    I have a passion for beads in all its many forms. I create my own lampwork glass beads in my home studio in Illinois. I also do all the bead crochet from start to finish.
I grew up in Highland Park, Illinois attending Highland Park High School. Every year they would have something called "Focus on the Arts" and I just loved that special time. The school would bring in professionals in all different fields of the arts. You could learn to use a camera, solder a ring or write a short story. I took all jewelry classes and was completely fascinated. That is when I knew I would use my creativity to create something unique.
I went on to achieve a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Iowa and worked many years in Chicago as a graphic designer.
I got married, had two wonderful children and then it was, well, now what? I took a lampworking class in Highland Park and absolutely fell in love with it. The minute the torch was lit, I knew it would be my calling.
I now make glass beads and create bead crochet pieces in my home studio.

When  outdoor art shows are again allowed Sher will be displaying in them. Her work is also available at the gallery. www.adammsgallery.com

 

 

The University of Southern California -Doheny Library- Leaded Glass Window Restoration

    

Two years ago we restored the front windows of the Doheny Library at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The Doheny library was built in 1931 by Edward Doheny. Edward Doheny was the first person to discover and produce oil in Los Angeles. At one point he was the richest man in America. The library was built to memorialize his son Edward (Ned) L. Doheny Jr. who was killed in 1929. The library was built at a cost of $ 1.1 million.

                                             
     A major portion of this years project is The Los Angeles Times reference Room. The room as 23 leaded glass windows that are approximately 3' wide and 16' tall. They are comprised of 4 section each in a steel frame. The glass as all hand blown German glass.Originally the glass was a pale amber color, but over time the glass changed color because of a magnesium imbalance. This causes the glass to turn a rose color which with the underlying amber shows as beige. It is actually a very pretty color.

                                            
   This same effect of color change can be seen in what has been called "Desert Glass". Desert glass refers to clear glass bottles that when stored on roof tops in the desert (typically Arizona, or Southern California) turns rose or purple over time. It is sometimes called "sun colored amethyst glass".

                    
     The windows are in poor condition with cracks in the lead came, dried up glazing, broken pieces, and sagging. They needed total restoration. We worked with K.C. Restoration on this project just as we did two years ago when we restored the front windows. We have also worked with K.C. on the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, and the Tower Theater among others. K.C. removed, and installed the windows. We soaked the windows in vats of water to loosen the old putty, and contain the old putty dust(which contains asbestos). In this case it also made removing the old solar/UV film that had been applied to the glass much easier.

                                                       
         After the bath we disassembled the windows, cleaned the glass, and leaded them up with new lead came. Staying with the original lead choice, we used 5/8" H flat lead on the border and 1/2" H flat lead in the body. We added them up, soldered the joints and used Atlas "Wonder"putty to glaze.

                                
          The reinforcing bars are solid brass rods with a flared end the flared ends are set behind the steel sash styles to lock in the windows. As with most pre 1930's windows the bars are attached to the windows with copper wire. We used 16 gauge bare copper wire that was soldered to the joints of the windows and then twisted around the bars.

                                        

                                             The windows are installed in steel frames with screw in steel moldings.

                                                                      
                                                                   Exterior sealant still needs some cleaning up
                                                                       Now on to the rest of the windows

 

Ebenezer Baptist Church Stained Glass Restoration

     Back in February of 2020 we received a call from Bishop Little of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Ebenezer Baptist Church was built in 1938, in South Los Angeles.The Bishop inquired if we would come out to take a look at the church stained glass windows. The windows were sagging and pieces were cracking. We made an appointment for the following week.

             
                                                                     Windows with exterior acrylic before
There are four stained glass windows two are 42" wide and 10 feet tall , and the other two are 42" wide and 12 feet tall. The  windows are composed of 4 sections each. All the windows had very crazed and hazy acrylic on the exterior for protective glazing. On the interior there was obvious slipping of the window. The bottom panels had cracks, and the lower borders had folded. Two of the bottom panels had gaps on top of up to 1". The panels three panels above the bottom panels were in fairly good condition.
     The Church wanted to conserve money(not unheard of), so I proposed that we remove and restore the four bottom panels  and leave the upper panels. We would remove the exterior acrylic and replace it with clear 1/4" tempered glass. It was also obvious that all the exterior woodwork would need to be replaced as it was severely weather beaten and had obvious rot. I presented a proposal to replace, and paint all the exterior wood(leaving the sash and frames), restore the four lower panels, and install the tempered glass. The proposal was accepted, and we scheduled the work. Unfortunately, the Cocid-19 pandemic struck at this time. It wasn't until late July that we were able to begin work.

          

                                                         Deterioration of frame and sash, sagging of window

     We removed the exterior acrylic  and observed just how bad the  frames and sash really were. There was extensive dry rot, and total deterioration of most of the frames. The steel T bars that were supporting the windows were tearing away from the sash. The sill was almost totally useless. We now proposed that we replace the entire set of four window frames and sash. We opened up the wall of the inside and saw that the studs were rotted and the entire wall was like jelly. We would have to rebuild the entire wall. With my friend and contractor Don Van Cura we proceeded. We ordered the frames and sash, and removed all the stained glass panels, and deteriorated frames and sash. Then we boarded up the opening with plywood for four weeks while we waited for the new frames and sash to arrive.

     

Wall with old frame and studs removed           Wall with old studs                        Exterior showing frame removed

                                                                                             
                                                                                              Wall with dry wall and frame installed                         
                  With the frames due to arrive we began rebuilding the walls. Don Van Cura was able to cut the old studs away from the exterior stucco with a Sawzall, and set in new 2 x 4's. He then miraculously screwed the existing stucco to the new 2 x 4's setting in flashing paper and caulking. With the new frames and sash in hand he began installation continuing with the fascia trim, and caulking the complete set of windows. He patched up the stucco, and Ron Benveniste of R.B Painting Company, primed all the woodwork interior and exterior.and we were ready to install the stained glass panels.

                                                    

                                                 Installing T bar                                                Windows installed

    The first step was to set all the original steel T bars in place. We previously cleaned them up and painted them. The bars had a 90 degree bend at each end, and we screwed them in place into the sash. Each bar was spaced to allow for the stacking of glass panels , but each would support their panel separately. With the T bars installed to set the panels in place securing them with steel sash clips, and wood molding. We completed the window installation, and came back after the painters painted the stucco, and interior and exterior of the woodwork. They did a fabulous job in color matching the stucco and frame color. The original color was from 1938.

                                            
                         Exterior with Tempered Glass                                                                     Finished Restoration from inside

     When the final painting was completed we went back and installed the tempered glass exterior glazing. We decided to cover each window with a single piece of glass rather than 4 separate pieces as was originally there. The final result met with many thanks, and much love. It is always such a wonderful feeling to restore beautiful windows and bring them to life once again. The spiritual feeling from the congregation, Bishop, and ourselves is a tremendous reward. During the whole process we feel a kinship with the original artisans that created these windows to so long ago. It's a nice way to honor them as well. Now the church will have these beautiful windows for many generations to come.

  

Custom Angel Seraphim Stained Glass Window

     We love all the work we do, especially when we have a customer that really strikes us as being a wonderful human being. In this case we also found that the subject matter was very interesting. We were asked to make a window based on a Tarot card of the angel Seraphim. This led us to do some research on angels.

Seraphim

These are the highest order or choir of angels. They are the angels who are attendants or guardians before God's throne. They praise God, calling, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts". the only Bible reference is Isaiah 6:1-7. One of them touched Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, cleansing him from sin. Seraphim have six wings, two cover their faces, two cover their feet, and two are for flying.

To start, our customer sent us an image of a Tarot card.

    

The window was planned to go in a bathroom. After discussing the various types of glass, the need for privacy, light, and color, we decided to use Lambert hand blown German (antique) glass. The medallions were painted on a pale amber antique

 and the center circle was etched using a flashed red on clear antique glass.  

After we etched out the red with sand blasting our expert painter(Mary Orrell) hand painted the blue and purple interior which was then fired in our kiln. We leaded the window up using solid brass came,   


 which we antiqued with a patina. It was then framed ion a pine frame and shipped up to our customer in Seattle.

I think it is a pretty cool window. It is about 30" x 45".

Craig Zweifel Master Glass Artist 1944-2020

     The pandemic has made 2020 a very trying year for all of us. Adding to the sadness brought on by Covid 19 is the passing of one of America's best glass artist. Craig Zweifel succumbed to Parkinson's disease earlier this month.

 

Craig Zweifel  1944-2020             It is with deep sadness that I am informing you of the passing of Craig  Zweifel. Most of you know of Craig's work. His golden tones with deep red patterns were classics for close to 50 years. His heart & Vine pattern were favorites. His glass had a uniform thickness that made it instantly recognizable  as work from a master artisan.He was the perfect blend of craftsman, and artist, but what I will remember most about  Craig is his attitude toward life. He loved life, and people.whenever you were with him you were sure to have fun.      I first met Craig in 1971. He was working on his Masters at UCLA, and I was starting out doing craft shows. Every  Friday and Saturday night we would set up in the Warehouse Records alcove in Westwood Village. along  with about 20 other artists.We had potters, jewelers, candle makers,  clothing artists, painters, macrame, weavers, leather artists, and of   course glass artists. We would set up at 6 PM and stay until 11 or sometimes 12. Often we would go out for a late dinner and  drinks afterward. It was a good  group of people.       Being in Westwood, we would regularly have celebrities as customers. Nobody would bother them so they loved coming down, talking, and buying a piece to take home or give as a gift.      After UCLA Craig moved to Ketchum, Idaho  with his  wife Anny. They had a great life. Craig  blew his glass, Anny helped out and kept after her garden.After many years in Ketchum they moved to Williams, Oregon to get away from the severe winters. Craig was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few years ago, and had to put down his blow pipe. It was a sad time, and today even sadder.      If you feel inclined the family would appreciate it if you would donate to the Parkinson's Foundation to help find a cure for this terrible disease.   Adamm Gritlefeld Adamm's Stained Glass & Gallery 1426 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leaking Leaded Glass Windows

Leaking  Leaded Glass Windows If you have older leaded or stained glass windows you may be experiencing leaks. You may see this as droplets forming on the lead came, and dripping down the window, or as a pool of water at the window sill. Remember that water flows down hill, so if you see water anyplace on the window or sill it is most likely coming from a place higher up. After the rain stops and the water dries you will see water marks where the water has dripped. DO NOT CLEAN these off. The dried spots will help us determine where the leaks actually are.     Leaks may be from dried out a flaking putty, or they may be from broken, or missing lead came. On older windows(65-100 years old), the smog and acid rains have disintegrated the heart of the lead came, and in many cases it just falls apart. Also improper repairs lead to weakened windows and cause leaks. If the leaks are caused from dried out and missing glazing putty we reglaze by forcing the new putty into the lead came between the glass and the lead. The right type of putty will last for many years. The correct putty is metal sash putty. It is either black or grey in color, and is oil based. It should not be thinned with paint thinner, or turpentine. This will only dilute it too much, and cause it to dry out and flake. Do not use white putty. It is meant for wooden sash. Also, by all means, DO NOT USE SILICON. Silicon may seal temporarily, but it will make a mess, and only increase the cost of a repair because it has to be cleaned off before a proper repair can be successful.                             Broken Came      If your window is very old and the lead came has gaps, or holes your window probably needs to be removed and releaded. In this case we rebuild your window with your old glass and new lead came. We will also replace any broken, or badly etched(water stained) glass. To reglaze the window we try to clean out as much old dried out putty as we can. Then we force the new putty into the lead channel. After the window is reglazed the putty needs to set up, so we need a few clear days. Otherwise the new putty stands a chance of being washed out in a heavy rain. On a large window it may take two or three applications before the reglazing is successful. Of course if we totally restore your window you will have a quality window that will last many, many years. IF YOU NEED US WE ARE READY !Adamm's Stained Glass   1426 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401  310 451 9390  adamm@adammsgallery.com

First Baptist Church of Los Angeles Stained Glass Restoration

                                                               

   The First Baptist Church of Los Angeles is a magnificent church. The church is located at 760 S.Westmoreland Ave., Los Angeles. The present location was built in 1927. It's magnificent sanctuary ceiling was patterned after the chapel of the Ducal Palace in Mantova, Italy. It seats 1,950 and is one of the most beautiful in Los Angeles.The 1980s brought to FBC a designation by the City of Los Angeles as Historic Cultural Monument No. 237 in 1981, and FBC hosted the Baptist World Alliance in 1986 where former president Jimmy Carter spoke.

     Part of the church is the Moore Prayer Chapel. It is a relatively small chapel with two beautiful stained glass windows each of which is 32" x 72" tall. The windows are predominantly blue being composed of various shades. The windows are etched and painted. The use of both hand blown glass and machine made cathedral glass is marvelous. Some of the glass is variegated (streaky clear and blue glass) with black painting in a flowing design. As often happens, the reason we were called is because of vandalism to the windows. Unfortunately both windows were broken in at the lower of two panels.

            
            

           Before Restoration                                                                   Completed Restoration                                                      

                                                                                                                  

     We were able to find exact replacement glass (Lambert antique for the hand blown, and Kokomo variegated for the cathedral). Our fabulous painter, Mary Orrell, did a fantastic job in replicating the original artists work, and both Alberto Marquez, and Armando Aleman performed their usual magic. I could not tell the restoration from the original, and yes the church was thrilled. Now we will be installing protective glazing on the exterior. This will be 1/4" clear tempered glass installed with circulation vents at the top and bottom to prevent any heat damage to the stained glass.

Custom Stained Glass Heart Windows

                         

   Who doesn't like hearts? Quite often we have long time customers that want to add a window or two to their home. Sometimes they have bought a new home and would like a special window for it.Here is another set of windows that we added to the sitting room of a wonderful long time customer. We installed a pair of identical, but smaller heart windows in the bedroom about 7 years ago, and she always wanted to finish the job with more in the sitting room. It turned out that the sitting room was the perfect place. We added the two heart windows by cutting out the mullions and then we replaced all the clear glass with double glue chip for privacy. Now she doesn't need the blinds that disrupted the room, and she has plenty of light.

     The blue glass is bullseye cathedral, red is hand blown Lambert antique, and we used  2" glue chip bevels as the border that we custom beveled for length. We also used 8 1" round faceted jewels around the hearts. She did a great job with the fabric drapery over the windows for a romantic effect.
   It's clients like these that make coming to the studio everyday so enjoyable.