Origins in sacred spaces

Stained glass first appeared in European churches during the 10th and 11th centuries. These windows were both decorative and functional, telling stories through images at a time when most people couldn’t read. Biblical scenes illustrated in glass transformed sunlight into colour and narrative, turning architecture into a source of teaching and reflection. Each window was made from hand-blown glass coloured with metal oxides, joined with lead cames, and detailed with vitreous paint fired onto the surface.

Development through history

During the Gothic period, stained glass reached new levels of complexity and scale. Artists combined structural precision with artistic design, filling cathedrals with light and colour. In the Renaissance, the craft became more painterly, with improved control over detail and shading. The 19th century brought revival movements led by artists such as William Morris and Louis Comfort Tiffany, who introduced opalescent glass and experimental layering, expanding both texture and depth.

Stained glass today

Stained glass has moved far beyond its traditional setting. Today, it is valued not only for its decorative qualities but also for its ability to define space, influence atmosphere, and add a unique, tactile dimension to spaces. Whether in private commissions, architectural projects, or creative collaborations, contemporary stained glass offers endless opportunities to combine tradition, innovation, and artistic expression. At ARDOR Glass, we draw on traditional techniques while incorporating modern methods, giving us the flexibility to create works that honour the history of stained glass while embracing a contemporary approach.