Leaded Lights Norfolk - The Stained Glass Workshop

Leaded lights are traditional windows made of small panes of plain or decorative glass held together by H-section lead strips, known as “cames.” Medieval cames, typically cast in molds, have uneven surfaces from being shaved to size, whereas later milled or extruded cames are lighter and more uniform in profile. These cames are installed either within frames or directly into wall openings. Thin metal bars, often arranged into frameworks called “ferramenta,” provide support and security, especially for larger openings. The glazed panels are secured to these bars using lead strips, copper wire, or metal wedges.

Where stained glass windows are found principally in churches and ornate buildings, leaded lights are a common feature in private homes and the style of these windows is often a clue to the age of a building; between 1860 to 1930, leaded lights were a regular architectural feature in residential houses and cottages. Historic and listed properties require a special level of care, especially when it comes to glasswork. I have the experience to repair and replace leaded lights using period materials and processes.