Victorian Stained Glass Window Film

Today’s home owners have many choices when it comes to decorating their doors and windows. Many of these owners had source for Victorian stained glass window film to redecorate their windows. While using window glass film on windows are definitely different compared to the use of a real stained glass, the effect is similar and can hardly be told apart. Using stained glass window film also have many other advantages.

Stained glass became very popular during the reign of the Victoria. This was mainly due to the Gothic revival or as how many had put it, the Renaissance of stained glass windows period. Town halls, churches and houses were suddenly all designed and built to Gothic style of having carved pointed arches.

A.W.N. Pugin was popular as a leader of the revival of the Gothic during the Victoria period. He revived the “mosaic” method of making stained glass. In this method, pieces of coloured glass were cut to shape and later leaded together. Then, in the 17th and 18th centuries, clear glasses were painted with pictures instead.

One of the architect who had helped with the restoration of few churches during the Victorian era, Thomas Hardy wrote,

“These Gothic windows, how they wear me out,
With cusp and foil, and nothing straight or square,
Crude colours, leaded borders roundabout,
And fitting in Peter here, and Matthew there!”

Since the Middle ages, it was in the 19th century that stained glass truly flourished. Many Victorian stained glass windows became public art. At the same time, it also reflects the way Victorians viewed their Christian faith. It was also in this century that the techniques for working with and colouring of glasses were rediscovered. Tougher glass that is less likely to crack became available. The demand for stained glasses had also increased not only for churches, but for public buildings and for homes.

There are many Victorian stained glass designs that were worth mentioning. Wolverhampton for example, even as a provincial town has one of the best quality of stained glasses for its church windows.

There were many studies and researches on why stained glasses had taken such popularity during the Victorian period. There are many reasons. Some of them are due to technical reasons, some due to architectural and others due to ecclesiastical. There were all somehow connected to a longing to the 18th century Romantic Movement.

Unfortunately, the method and art of making stained glass during medieval times, especially the method for colouring was lost. Then in the late 1840s, a barrister and antiquarian named Charles Winston, with the help of a chemist, rediscovered the technique of making colored glass. Chemists also analysed other medieval stained glass and rediscovered their secrets. Around the same time, stronger and clearer glass became available.

Architects from this era onwards increasingly designed buildings after the medieval styles. This period was therefore known as the Gothic Revival. All churches, both old and new, began to go after stained glass for their glasses and windows. Many firms such as Morris and Company had fulfilled these demands.

The styles of stained glass change during the Victorian period. For example, in the 1850s and 60s, medieval glass that fitted well with the prevailing Gothic style of new and restored churches was popular. These designs consist mainly of small scenes in predominantly dark tones. It also makes the interior of the room dim and gloomy.

By the 1870s and 80s, larger scenes and fewer dark colours dominated the design of stained glass. Many gothic designs were replaced.

As we approached the 21st century, there are still many home owners and churches are still interested in stained glass. They would still like to retain the Victorian design for their houses. Even though with the advance of technology, stained glass can still be quite expensive. The work of installing a stained glass would means that the entire glass had to be replaced. Thanks to the invention of window glass film, this is no longer necessary.

Victorian styled window glass films nowadays come in many different designs and patterns. For those who would prefer simple pattern, they can opt for the Rhapsody, Savannah or the Atlantis pattern. Those who preferred the element of Christian faith can go for the Grace Centrepiece decorative accent window glass film.

For those who would prefer more natural settings for their Victorian window glass films, they can try the Lost Lake Centrepiece, the Mandalay or the Napa. Designs with much modern theme include the Grapevine, the Biscayne, the Napa clear and the Mandalay Clear.

Besides using Victorian stained glass film as a decorative glass, it can also be used for the purpose of adding privacy. Designs that are suitable for this purpose includes the Rhapsody, the Savannah and the Atlantis pattern. There are also some owners who installed stained glass film to prevent anyone from walking through clear glass doors. Designs that are suitable for this purpose include the Grace Centrepiece and the Lost Lake Centrepiece.

Victorian stained glass film is an inexpensive way of decorating your window or door. The effect looks similar to the real stained glass window. Installation of stained glass window film is easy and can be done on DIY basis or by professionals. If you do not like the design or the effect of the stained glass, you can easily remove it as most stained glass film comes as adhesive-free. With the real stained glass, you will need to replace the entire glass.