by Shelly Mcrae

Created on: May 12, 2008   Last Updated: May 02, 2012

The craft of glassmaking goes back to around 2000 BCE, originating in the Middle East. The art of stained glass, evolving over time from colored beads and stamps, reaches a zenith during the Middle Ages in Europe.

In Medieval Europe, the church was the heart of the town. Church building was an ever-present industry, the size and detail of the churches becoming larger and more intricate. No longer small, dark hovels, these places of worship became glorious monuments to God.

One of the most striking features of these medieval churches was the stained glass window. Not only did these decorative windows allow light into the church, they told the stories of the saints, and of the bible.

A monk who called himself Theophilus detailed the crafting of stained glass in a text entitled "On Diverse Arts". The text, written around 1100 A.D., explains how an artisan goes about creating and assembling colored glass. This excerpt, the assembly instructions, is courtesy of the Art Glass Association, at the site, http://www.thestorefinder.com/glass/library/history. html

"if you want to assemble simple windows, first mark out the dimensions of their length and breadth on a wooden board, then draw scroll work or anything else that pleases you, and select colors that are to be put in. Cut the glass and fit the pieces together with the grozing iron. Enclose them with lead cames..... and solder on both sides. Surround it with a wooden frame strengthened with mails and set it up in the place where you wish."

As beautiful as the stained glass windows were, their first purpose was to tell stories to the congregations. Most of the people attending the churches were illiterate. The stories portrayed acted as "readers" for congregates, so that they may know the stories of their religion.

But the stained glass windows were placed rather high up, and churchgoers really only saw color, light, and patterns. A stained glass window needs to be viewed straight on to have the proper effect.

In the Gothic age, the workmanship improved. Where as in earlier years, the focus of the work was in the storytelling, and the detail work in painting, used for creating shadows, and assemblage was often crude, these later years saw a marked improvement.

The Gothic age artisans focused on the details. The lead lines were disguised, the painting more refined, the glass itself assembled with more care.

As Europe moved into the Renaissance era, stained glass was used less in churches, though by this time it had become a popular decorative item in finer residences and public places. These often portrayed family crests and heraldry.

By the 18th century, much of the stained glass was being replaced, and the stained glass windows that had adorned the churches of medieval Europe were destroyed.

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