We were asked to replace the missing red glass that was originally in the bathroom of the Helena Modjeska Historic Home in Silverado, California. We have been working on the historic properties of the California County of Orange Parks and Recreation Department for some time. It is not known how long the glass has been missing. Fortunately one of the members of the historic society had a broken piece so we could find a match. Up until we replaced the glass they were using red plastic.
We were lucky in our pursuit of the proper glass. We used a Desag clear red glass. It was a bit scary as Desag has stopped manufacturing this glass and it was the only clear red glass available. This was the last sheet we could find, and it was just enough for the two pieces we had to replace.
The process was a standard puttied in window. We removed the old putty and clear glass that had been used. Then cleaned up the window sash, cut the new glass and puttied it back in using metal points to secure it in place..
The result was definitely transforming for the bathroom. It produced a beautiful and at the same time eerie feel. It is said that people came from miles around to see Mrs. Modjeska's red bathroom glass. In fact they paid 5 cents each for the privilege. Actually I think after coming from so far away(as this place is out in the boonies now, let alone then) they were happy to pay the 5 cents just to use the bathroom.
If you want to read more about Helena Modjeska and other female actors of the old West there is an excellent book Gilded Girls by Jo Ann Chartier and Chris Evans. They have very interesting profiles on Lilly Langtree, Maud Adams, Lillian Russell, and many others.
Stained Glass & Gallery
1426 4th St. Santa Monica, Ca 90401 USA
310 451 9390 866 764 6513
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Posted by: Doug Marr | December 02, 2019 at 10:10 AM