Adelaide Artistic Glass

Which areas do you service?

All areas. We not only design and repair leadlight windows, large and small, but as a qualified glass painter and stainer, Frans Kat is in demand Australia-wide for major contracts involving stained glass conservation of heritage Church windows or for unique contemporary windows for some of the larger architectural projects. In the past we have been involved in projects in Sydney, Melbourne, Broken Hill and Menindee, to name but a few other places outside Adelaide.

What styles do you do?

All styles. Frans Kat is a versatile and creative applied artist, who has long been asked to design for a myriad of different architectural and interior design styles, from Classical to Art Deco; Art Nouveau to Victorian. As an artist in his own right, Frans also likes to create contemporary designs for new architecture, both domestic homes and public buildings. For these he occasionally uses the latest techniques to allow them to fit entirely with the contemporary nature of the space.

Is Leadlight an art or a craft?

Leadlight is craft form in one sense, but it is also an applied art. It is applied within an architectural context. While we can readily see many examples of leadlight everywhere, many are not really art. The real art is in the design, and whether they work in the context of the architecture in which they are found. Frans also creates what are called 'Autonomous' panels which are free-hanging, stained glass pieces which can be hung in front of a window, much like one hangs a painting on a wall.

What do we do if a church window has been broken?

Our best advice is to call our studio immediately before cleaning or tidying anything. Heritage windows are precious artworks and any broken glass; even the tiniest fragments are ideally required to properly conserve the window. If you don't disturb the site, you will give us the best chance to reconstruct precisely how the window was. It will mean that your window can most likely be restored to its former glory. We will make thorough records, clean-up and seal the window to make it secure.

What is the difference between Leadlight and Stained glass?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, strictly speaking, in Australia, the term Leadlight refers to simple coloured glass set in a framework of lead lines. Stained glass, refers to coloured glass which has been added to in some way, by being hand painted with traditional paints in shades of black and brown which are subsequently fired in a kiln to make them permanent. Stains and enamels of various colours as well as etching can also be used, before everything is leaded together.

Can you clean Leadlight windows?

Yes, but great care must be taken.Sometimes old leadlight windows can become covered in paint and cement spatters and the dust and grime of ages, allowing less light to pass through, so they look dull and lifeless. In many cases we can rejuvenate these windows giving them back their sparkle, by either on-site cleaning or better still, a thorough conservation cleaning in the studio. At the same time we can repair any cracked glass or other problems. Painted glass needs more careful attention.

Do you give free quotes?

Yes, for the greater Adelaide area, all our quotes are free. If designs need to be created, Frans, who is a trained graphic designer, does his design work using the computer. The designs will be so realistic that it takes the guesswork out of trying to interpret rough sketches. By taking photos on site, Frans can, in most cases, create a photo of exactly how the product will look when it's all finished. We call these our "Virtual Designs". They definitely place us a cut above the competition.

Is leadlight suitable for our new home, in a contemporary architectural style?

Yes.Leadlight, just like an artist's oil painting, can be done in any style. The art is all in the design. If you are just used to seeing the old Victorian style tulip windows, for example, then you have seen only a very small part of what is possible in glass. We can create unique works which compliment any architectural style, and reflect your own values and tastes as well, in the process. Whether it be leadlight, painted glass, or new, laminated art glass, anything is possible.

Do you repair Church Leadlight windows?

Yes.We are specialists in the repair, restoration and conservation of Church leadlight and stained glass windows. As a qualified glass painter and stainer, Frans is experienced not only in creating new stained glass but also in handling the old heritage works. We take care of the entire project using the latest techniques to bring your damaged windows back to life. We can also do a full conservation report on all your heritage windows to let you know what will be required in the future.

Can you repair old leadlight windows which are cracked, bowed or sagging?

Yes.We can repair any leadlight window or door panel. Bowing, which is common in old leadlight door panels can be caused by metal fatigue due to aging, as well as cracks in the solder joints. Many years of opening and closing doors can cause them to bow one way or another. Old cracked glass can be repaired using our large stocks of heritage glass and complete lead replacement will make your leadlight as good as new. In the process the glass is cleaned to bring back the sparkle it once had.