AdammsGallery

Vintage Stained Glass Restoration

     

                                                                                                                             

 

                                          


     The month of January saw us very busy restoring and repairing lots of vintage stained, beveled, and leaded glass windows. Most of the stained glass was 90-150 years old. We were working on a home in Marina Del Rey that had been remodeled years ago. The owners installed over 50 stained and beveled glass windows about 50 years ago. Being close to the ocean all those years the windows were not in good condition. They also hadn't been kept up well which exacerbated their condition. We had to stay on a budget so we chose which windows would get the most restoration. The sashes were repaired by others, so we focused solely on the glass. Some of the windows we brought back to the studio while others we were able to repair on site. Fortunately, we didn't need ladders except in one case, so the repairs went faster than anticipated.

          

 

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     To repair the clear glass we used restoration glass, and we had very good matches on the stained glass with what we already had in the studio. That's one of the benefits of having been in business for over 50 years. A few of the windows, and a double door was zinc came and had lots of broken pieces. These we brought into the studio and disassembled large portions of them. 

     The end result was a tremendous difference in strength, and vibrance. The owner was thrilled with the results.

Historic Hollywood Hills Stained Glass Restoration

 

                                                                           


                                      Center Medallion                                                          Restored Window                                                              Right Medallion

We are called often to restore old stained-glass windows. It is always fun to bring back these old windows to life. We also feel a kinship to the artisans that created them 100 or so years ago. 

                                                                                         
                                            soldering lead came                                          leading up the window                                 leaded and soldered window before glazing
                                                                
This was certainly the case for this set of three windows that are in a 100-year-old home in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles. These windows are 16 feet tall and in three sections. Each section is set on top of the other by opening up the open side of the H lead and pinching the bottom of the upper panel. We putty the joining areas again after the window is set.

This set of three had a fairly intricate hand painted medallion in the center panels. The glass used for the medallions is hand blown German (antique) glass. The painting is really exquisite, and with the remained of the windows clear glass and simple it really jumps out. The lead came is 1/2" H channel, and there are reinforcing bars on each horizontal lead line. The original curved molding that was used to install the arched tops was pretty much disintegrated and was the rest of the molding. We replaced all the Straight with new wood molding and used flexible molding for the arches. The owner was very pleased, and we feel like the original artisans would be also.

     We are currently in the process of restoring additional clear leaded diamond panels in other parts of the house.

It is always an honor to work on these windows and to have the faith and trust of the owners to do the work.

Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue Encino, CA, Stained Glass Restoration

   

                                                                                                                       

 

  Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue is the beautiful synagogue in Encino, California. The synagogue dates back to 1950 when three small congregations joined together and moved an old schoolhouse from Long Beach to the San Fernando Valley on Sepulveda Blvd. However, this rapidly became too small so the congregation moved to a small motel in the area. The end of the 1950's and beginning of the 1960's saw the congregation expand and build a permanent home. on the corner of Densmore and Ventura Blvd. The expansion of the synagogue saw tremendous increases in community participation including the Jewish youth. 

                                              
   

     As the 1960-'s came to a close a search for a new rabbi would see the congregation grow beyond anyone's wildest dreams. The construction of the main sanctuary included two contemporary stained-glass windows. One on either side of the Bima. The synagogue was truly off and running. Everything looked bright until on the evening of May 7th, 2003, a firebombing of the synagogue destroyed a large section of the Westerly stained glass window. As disturbing and frightful as this was there was overwhelming comfort when the valley community came together. "Where do you find the sparks of decency in tragedy? In the response of men and women of all faiths who, on the very next evening, gathered together in a prayer of solidarity at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church just two days after the fire-bombing. Men and women, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Baha’i, Armenian clergy, who sang and prayed and heard each other’s anguish and each other’s resolve to stand together to offer each other their houses of worship to those sanctuaries which were violated."

     Temporary repairs were made to the window, but it would be nearly 20 years before a total restoration would be completed. The restoration of the windows was a small part of a major expansion and remodel of the sanctuary and building itself. We were contacted at the end of 2023 to make a proposal for the repairs to the window. The temporary repair was in fact a hand painted reproduction of the stained glass done with acrylics on two sheets of 1/4" acrylic glass. There were still numerous broken pieces and smoke and burn marks on the adjacent areas. The windows were approximately 4' wide and 25' tall. They were made up in sections that were about 3 feet tall. After a thorough inspection we determined that the horizontal supports were far too weak to be reused. Each section was held in place by 1 1/2" aluminum H bar, we would replace these with 1" steel T bar. We removed both sets of windows, boarded up the openings with 1/2" plywood and brought them to out studio in Santa Monica. Once in the studio we soaked them in water, disassembled, and cleaned the pierces. Of course, we recycle all the old lead came.

                                                                                                           

     The glass was colorful cathedral glass manufactured by The Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company in Kokomo, Indiana. We have a wonderful relationship with Kokomo and use their glass often in restoration projects. Most of the glass was available from the local distributor (Hollander Glass Company in Stanton, CA.). The design was rectilinear with images of Hebrew letters and symbols as well at menorahs, Shabot candles, and other Jewish themes. All the paint was black creating a subtle feeling against the colorful background. The leading was a mixture of flat H ranging in width from 5/8" to 1".

                                                                                                       

      Therre were no images of the 3' x 12' section that had been destroyed so we used our imagination adding similar line work and colored glass. The restoration process took about 2 1/2 months including removal, acquiring the replacement glass, painting the images, fabrication and installation. We finished just in time for the reopening celebration.

                                                                                                      

 I have said many times that the joy in restoring religious windows cannot be matched. The wonderful feedback and love we get from the administration and members of the congregation are a payment that cannot be equaled. The windows are now ready to be inspiring and appreciated by many future generations. 

                * Thanks to Alberto Marquez(Chief Glazer), Jose Ceja, Armondo Colon, Mary Orrell our magnificent painter, and Bart Pachino of Valley Beth Shalom(Executive Director)

19th Century European Stained Glass Window Restoration

 

   

I acquired this window along with an identical one about 30 years ago. The designer who brought them in couldn't afford to have us restore both of them, so I kept this one and restored the other which she gladly took in exchange. For this one we replaced about 35 broken or missing painted pieces and totally restored it. The red glass is all antique (mouth blown) German glass. The painted gold colors are achieved with silver stain paints. All the painting is fired in a kiln which fuses the paint to the glass. The paint is actually composed of dyes and finely ground glass. The center medallion of the cavalier on horseback may not be original with the window. When we acquired the window the medallion's leading showed signs of being replaced at some point. However, since the state of the window was p[opopr it could have just been loose and was reworked to fit back in. the leading. We disassembled the window, thoroughly cleaned it and releaded it with all new lead. I happened to have an old oak sash that we were able to cut down a bit and make it fit. The window is about 72" x 30" and has a dramatic effect.

After all these years I have decided to retire it to my home. I love it when a beautiful window gets a nice home DON'T YOU?

Filip Vogelpohl Glass Artist

“I have found my calling in the world of glass.”

Filip Vogelpohl was born in Prague, Czech Republic in 1976. He immigrated to the US in 1987 after living 11 years under communist rule. He grew up in Boise, Idaho where his love of art led him to take many classes throughout his high school years. After high school he traveled throughout the Northwest, eventually landing is Eugene, Oregon where his introduction to glass began. Once hooked on glass he continued his travels throughout the world. His teachers in the glass world included Robert Mickelson, Kevin O'Grady, Milon Townsend, and Casare Toffolo. Filip's work contains a broad array of products ranging from lighting and chandeliers to marbles, paperweights, and sculptural works. As an internationally recognized artist, Vogelpohl's work largely consists of commissions created over the years for art collectors, local businesses and interior designers out of his studio and gallery in Boise, Idaho. Boise Art Glass.

   

                     Wavy Bowls                                         Pen Holders                                   Wine Bottle Stoppers                                Fish Shot Glasses

                                                                           

                                          Cosmic Marbles                                                              Galaxy Marbles                                              Vortex Marbles

Joining Filip is his Boise Art Glass team, Austin Grill, Kevin Gray, Natasha Benedetti, Grayson Bailey, Caleb Feaster, and Hunter. Each of these skilled artisans brings a personal perspective to the art of creating with glass. In addition to their regular line of collectables, they are also available for custom work, and teach glass blowing classes as well as rent space out for the private glass blower.

We are very proud to represent Filip and his team at our Santa Monica Gallery.

Paul Willsea and Carol O'Brien Hand Blown Art Glass

                                          
                                                                 Primrose Round Bowl

Paul and Carol have been blowing magnificent art glass since 1983. It was shortly after that that I met them and began representing their work in my Santa Monica gallery. Their work has always been first class. I cannot remember once having to return a piece because of bad design or craftmanship. 

                               

                                                               Ocean Oblong Bowl 

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     Their work has certainly evolved over the years, but they still produce some of the vintage style pieces that gave them a name so many years ago. Today they are using vibrant colors and endearing shapes that captures the feeling of the nature that surrounds them in their Upstate New York home and studio. They create large bowls that have an easy flow to them. They offer these in platters also and make wall designs which incorporate these vivid colors and diverse movement that the glass allows them to create.

                                

                                Ruby Candle Holders                         Jade Crackle Pyramid Bowl

   They also create candle sticks, and a crackle glass series that has endured their nearly 40 years of glass blowing. Their work has always been refreshing, uplifting, and engaging. When you see their work, it is difficult to take your eyes off of it. When customers buy their work, they tend to keep it forever.                                                                                      Canyon Square Cradle Bowl

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.

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

 

 

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".