RESTORATION
Bruce Hutton completed a graduate diploma in 1996 focusing upon restoration /
conservation techniques of stained glass. Almond glassworks, in the years that
followed, has become one of Australia’s leading stained glass restoration firms,
undertaking works Australia wide, that range from basic conservation
cleaning, to the removal of windows for thorough restoration. Bruce also provides
condition reports and can assist with the development of long-term strategies for the
care of Australia’s historic glass.
Below is just one example of the type of project undertaken. The falling of a cast
iron statue catastrophically damaged this beautiful, finely painted Victorian side light.
This project began by documenting what remained in place and then gathering all the
broken glass.
The individual pieces were painstakingly assembled into their respective rectangles
in preparation for reconstruction (repainting), or edge glueing with the intention of
reintroduction. As the pieces were all the same colour, this undertaking took days.
The window as found and the cherub edge glued and reinstated within the window.
The base of the window shown below; following the restoration. Five of the rectangles
are replacements.
The assembled pieces that were beyond salvage were re-painted on matching hand
made glass, with the originals dry laminated between clear glass and returned to the
custodian.
Three of the broken pieces, including the cherub pictured, were edge glued with HXTYL
Nyl-1 epoxy resin. This product is a glass specific conservation grade epoxy that is both
strong and stable when exposed to UV.
Even though the cherub looked healthier prior to the event, the piece was considered
to be of consequence and worthy of reinstatement.
The base of the window and the external view of the window following the restoration
works. |
