Lightworks were recently tasked with the repair and restoration of this stunning example of an original Victorian stained glass laylight. The work forms part of a much larger renovation project within a 10 bedroom, Grade II listed former estate house in the Cotswolds which is currently undergoing substantial restoration having been uninhabited for over 20 years. Though greatly extended during the mid 1800’s, parts of the building date back to the mid 16th Century.

Measuring an impressive 21 square meters and taking pride of place within a central hallway of the property (leading to the equally impressive ballroom), the laylight was in very poor condition with extensive glass damage, failed lead-work and more than 100 years worth of dirt, dust and grime accumulated above it.

Our work included removal of two of the main large panels which had suffered from structural failure and considerable glass damage, along with the removal of multiple single pieces of fractured glass. Back in the studio the panels were carefully stripped down and re-built and all fractured/shattered glass was painstakingly re-painted. Once re-installed, both surfaces of the ceiling were thoroughly cleaned – a process that in certain areas within the roof void above required as much contortionism as patience and “elbow grease”.

We were incredibly pleased to have secured this physically and technically challenging project and proud to have been able to play a part in contributing to the superb craftsmanship and hard work currently being poured into the restoration of this fantastic old building.

Our images show various stages of the project including the restored and repaired laylight and also in its sorry state prior to starting, details of structural failure of the lead matrix, glass re-painting (new replica pieces side by side with originals), on-site cleaning from both above and below and external views of the building.