Old and modern methods of stained glass conservation and renovation, using as an example the stained glass depicting St Peter in the collection of the Collegium Maius of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków

Stained glass is exposed to a number of harmful chemical and physical agents. Considering its combined protective and artistic functions, materials used for stained glass production must have very good physical and chemical properties. Despite that, individual elements of stained glass often suffer irreversible damage. The present paper is aimed to present the development of conservation concepts with respect to this art discipline. The causes and types of damage to elements of stained glass are discussed. Various methods of conservation and renovation of stained glass since the 19th century to the present are covered. The analysis of selected treatment and stages of conservation works in view of their safety, effectiveness and influence on the artwork’s aesthetic qualities has been carried out. In addition, the results of tests of adhesives used for repairing damaged glass have been presented. Theoretical discussion is supported by practical examples of the use of some methods of conservation applied to the 17th-century stained glass with the image of St Peter, in the collection of the Collegium Maius of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków.
 

Old and modern methods of stained glass conservation and renovation, using as an example the stained glass depicting St Peter in the collection of the Collegium Maius of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków

Stained glass is exposed to a number of harmful chemical and physical agents. Considering its combined protective and artistic functions, materials used for stained glass production must have very good physical and chemical properties. Despite that, individual elements of stained glass often suffer irreversible damage. The present paper is aimed to present the development of conservation concepts with respect to this art discipline. The causes and types of damage to elements of stained glass are discussed. Various methods of conservation and renovation of stained glass since the 19th century to the present are covered. The analysis of selected treatment and stages of conservation works in view of their safety, effectiveness and influence on the artwork’s aesthetic qualities has been carried out. In addition, the results of tests of adhesives used for repairing damaged glass have been presented. Theoretical discussion is supported by practical examples of the use of some methods of conservation applied to the 17th-century stained glass with the image of St Peter, in the collection of the Collegium Maius of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków.