Trinity Church, Boston - Recommendations (EXCERPT)

WINDOW 1, "Christ in Majesty" or "Christ Blessing"
Designed by John La Farge, probably manufactured by the Decorative Stained Glass Company, New York, 1883

Removal and reinstallation of this window will be major project due to its weight and awkward location. Restoration would probably require eighteen months.

Restoration should involve the replacement of all lead came except that in the areas of background. At this time, the background leading and solder appears to be sound, but this should verified by closer inspection upon removal of the window. New lead came should be of an alloy proven to withstand the fatigue commonly found in pure lead came.

Releading will allow cleaning of the window. This must be done carefully using solvents to prevent the loss of any paint.

All breaks in glass should be edge-glued with epoxy or silicone.

The silicone which is smeared on the surface of the glass and onyx must be removed. This will probably require use of solvents to remove the glue from cracks and crevices in the onyx, although it may be possible to remove the majority of it mechanically.

The onyx may be fragile. Research may be required into the rejoining and possible consolidation of cracked pieces of onyx.

The most difficult problem will be the recreation of the missing glass areas. It is very likely that when all three lancets are cleaned, the left lancet will be significantly brighter than the other two, because the amount of glass it has lost. Research into archival photographs of the window may be necessary. However, it may notbe possible to determine what the missing glass looked like.

The exterior protection glass should be updated to improve the appearance of the center lancet. In addition, ventilation should be provided. Because of the artistic merit and significance of this window, an isothermal glazing system should be considered. This would involve installing the protective glass in the frame where the stained glass is presently located. A new frame for the stained glass would be constructed within the reveal of the existing frame which would allow the window to be completely inside the building, surrounded by interior air. To all appearances, the window would not look any different except on close inspection of the frame. Design of such a frame may require the input of a structural engineer.